In this poem Grace contrasts her age with her son’s youth and reflects on the interface between them.
When you were young you learned from us,
Now we are old we learn from you;
But as the Lord blends young and old
And joins them with His strand of gold
He makes a threefold cord of love
Which weather’s storms, however tough.
A parent’s love for children too
Shows dimly His great love for you.
He sees the needs of young and old,
Will guard the young if over-bold;
He’ll keep the old in time of need
When they can’t cope with too much speed.
He knows the weaknesses of both
But still makes sure that there is growth.
There’s always more the old can learn
From younger ones, who in their turn,
Are growing in this modern age
And yet can learn from a wise sage.
Yes, both can learn from God and man
That in our lives God has a plan;
He’ll work through all things for our good
If we obey Him as we should.
He’s given His word to guide us too
Its promises will help us through.
He hears the prayers of young and old
And in His wisdom will unfold
Life’s story in a wondrous way,
If we just let the Lord hold sway.
The old look back to yesterday,
The on to heaven’s better day;
The young look forward with their dreams
And just glance back – or so it seems.
But young and old will richer be
If each can really come to see –
God gives ‘Today’ to hear His voice,
To work for Him and to rejoice;
For life’s made up of our ‘Todays’
So fill them up with love and praise –
And then there will be no regrets
For young or old when their sun sets.
Grace White
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