Last week I said we’d discuss people, some well known, and some we don’t know or remember. Only a few older people, those who have been Growing and Building for many years will remember this person. He was a person of great wisdom whom young people just loved to be around. This gentleman was Dr. Hudson Armerding, a man of “greatness.” I was fortunate to have him as a mentor when I was a young man.
Today there is a perception among older people that young people no longer want a person of wisdom to walk along side them. But I don’t believe that for a minute; the reality is that the older generation sometimes feels overwhelmed by FaceBook, Snap Chat, Instagram, TXT, or other new mediums. However, what I’ve found is that the young people I meet (particularly in my church or YES, even the gym) are interested in talking if I just show a little curiosity about their lives. I know that is what Dr. Armerding found.
Hudson Armerding was a distinguished naval officer who saw his share of combat. He was President of Wheaton College where he loved his interactions with his many students. He was also a “minister-at-large” for Officers’ Christian Fellowship where I met him. He was a “giant” among men, a paragon of biblical wisdom. When Dr. Armerding talked, everyone listened.
As time went on, I was selected to become an Air Force general officer. Upon this occasion, Dr. Armerding paid me the supreme complement. It wasn’t congratulations for selection to a new level of responsibility, but what he said was, “I like you because you’re still teachable.”
All of us need to remain teachable. Older people may think they know everything; they don’t. Guess who helped me with my iPhone–my grandchildren. Even my seven-year-old granddaughter can work that thing better than me. And I can’t wait to hear the stories from my older granddaughter Ali. She has been working in Athens, Ohio for Good Works, serving as Jesus would to those homeless and less fortunate from Appalachia. My grandson Nate starts medical school in four days. What a trip that will be. I’ve already learned more from him about public health than I ever have from the WSJ. Oh, do you think I am proud of my grandchildren and so many other young people just like them?
By n0w, I have a perspective longer in time and maybe just a little more serene? Born at the outbreak of World War II, I have heard firsthand accounts of not only that war, but of the Great Depression, music from the 1920s. . . UGH. The stories I heard when I was young are now 100 years old; I’ve been around the barn a few times. But I can’t wait to learn more from the next young person I meet, and just perhaps, that person may be interested in my stories, my walk with the Lord, and my view of eternity. That was always Dr. Hudson Armerding’s view on encouraging the next generation. Let’s get together; I’ll even TXT or whatever. . . or what …
Gaining Wisdom or What?
