Wisdom of the Ages

When my husband and I celebrated our sixtieth wedding anniversary, we received many congratulations from friends and family, near and far.

Our children and grandchildren organized a wonderful family picnic by the river near our home. We were asked to share the secret of a long and enduring marriage. My response was that when we would disagree on issues, my husband would not argue or retaliate. He would quietly head for the back door, disappear outside, and busy himself with the various chores that always needed to be taken care of on the farm. Sometimes he would be gone for quite a while. An old adage says, “It takes two to tango.” Over the years, we have found it is often best to put the discussion aside and wait to calm down before seeking to resolve our differences. While waiting did not always resolve the issue at hand, it helped more often than not.

Our son has a degree in psychology, and his wife has a degree in sociology. They both have a lot of “book learning” and used that as their guide for resolving differences when they were dating, seriously considering marriage, and beyond.

One day they asked me to serve as referee while they discussed several major issues they were dealing with between them. They asked me not to say anything but simply to listen. Then, when all the talking had finished, they turned to me and asked for my opinion. Who was right? Which one had the best perspective on things? Of course I was smart enough not to take sides. I carefully affirmed each of them and reminded them of the Scripture which admonishes us, “So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12, NIV). Putting others before oneself is the biblical admonition. The writer of Hebrews says, “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24, NKJV). God’s Word truly is filled with the wisdom of the ages. We can apply it to every situation we face in this world.

And it turns out that the golden rule is still the best advice for getting along with others.

Marcella Lynch