When he was talking to the Cardinals right after he was elected, Pope Francis had this to say to them: “Dear Brothers, have courage! Half of us are old: I like to think of old age as the seat of wisdom in life. Old people have wisdom because they know they have journeyed through life – like the aged Simeon and Anna in the Temple. It was that wisdom that allowed them to recognize Jesus. We must give this wisdom to young people: like good wine that improves with age, let us give young people this life’s wisdom … We need to give young people this wisdom.”
How true! We have so much wisdom right here in our own Home. So, I asked our Residents what advice they would like to give to a young person who is just starting off in life based on what they have lived through and learned. This is the wisdom they would like to pass on…
Prayer is always the answer. That’s why I go to Church and the rosary every day. Say the Our Father every day – sincerely – from your heart. Don’t get discouraged, but just keeping trusting God and He will help you out. God always answers but in His own time.
– Wilmer Joseph
Don’t be afraid to take chances. Know what you want and don’t stay in a place that won’t be good for you.
– Paula Kelly
Do your best. Get as much education as you can. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it. Know the difference between needs and wants. Get good people to be your friends … don’t just follow the crowd. If you meet someone you think you want to marry, bring him or her home to meet your family. Think about it – is that the man or woman you want to be the parent of your children? How does he or she treat their parents – that’s a good indication of how they will treat you.
– Marilyn Smith
Have a lot of faith in God and be true to yourself. – Betty Harte
Keep going to church – don’t forget it – because it’s good for you. It keeps you close to God and helps you to be good! – Bernice Gadd
Life is too short – don’t hold grudges. Let the people in your life know they are appreciated while you still can.
– Pat Mason
Be truthful and honest. “To your own self be true.” – Rose Saret
Don’t believe everything you hear. Think about it. If in doubt, ask someone you trust.
– Betty Pfad
Work hard and be true to yourself. – Penny Yarwood
Start out with kindness and end up with love. – Monnie Tutomase
Learn how to listen and listen to learn. Don’t be afraid to take a job even if it’s not the one you want to begin with because you can always learn something from it. – Bob Guretz
As a parent listen to your children. Listen more than talk. – Helen Skill
Keep walking, keep moving but let God do the leading. Keep praying for His guidance and hope that His will and your will are one. – Ed Sims
Pray for the strength to do the right thing and forgive those who do wrong to you.
– Mary Jo Sims
Live a Christian life – learn right from wrong. Respect your parents and others too. Let your parents know you appreciate what they’ve done for you. Do for others what you would expect them to do for you. Marriage requires a lot of “give and take” if you want the marriage to work. – Tom Schurr
When you arrive in a new place, go to church and get acquainted with your pastor or minister. Get to know the people at your church to make new friends – to make “good” friends. It’s a good way to acquainted. Usually a church person will help another person and help you to make friends and get involved in worthwhile activities. It worked for me. And start working at a job as soon as you can. AND remember this – the elderly want to keep going, to stay active and involved, for as long as we can!
– Charlotte Homse
Faith is so important. Live it and practice it! If you’re going to get married then work to make it a good marriage. Get a good education. – Joe Molloy
Be grateful for what you have! Study hard, work hard. It will pay off. Go into a job that you really like. Don’t be afraid to face life’s challenges with a good heart and a strong faith. When life gets hard don’t let it get you so down that you want to give up. I had to struggle for everything I got but that’s what made it worthwhile. It’s important that you be at peace with yourself and with God. It’s my faith that sustained me through the hard times. When you get older, like me, count your blessings! Try to keep a happy outlook and keep occupied so you don’t have time to feel sorry for yourself. “A sour old person is the work of the devil.” Find the good in other people and love them just the way they are because everyone has their own “story” and you don’t know what others have been through or may be going through. – Mary Finn
Stay close to God. Go to Mass daily. Get involved at your parish. Join a parish group like the Legion of Mary or a similar prayer group at your church. If you think God might be calling you to religious life or to be a priest then find a priest that will encourage, support, direct and listen to you. – Sr. Marguerite
Faith is very important. Enjoy life because it is a gift from God. Don’t worry about what you can’t control. Remember to be kind to each other. Say you’re sorry even if you’re right. Laugh things off and don’t let them get to you. And remember that music is good medicine. Don’t be afraid to give things away – be generous! Don’t be afraid to listen to older people in your life. – Beverly
Words of Wisdom