In life, we find that one of the most desirable qualities we can can find is flexibility. The ability to change with changing times, to face adversity with the same attitude one would have in facing victory; and to hold on to what is good, what is true and what is real at whatever cost. 

The irony of our time is that, even though we have made tremendous advancement in many areas, we have regressed in our spirituality and ideals. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, brag too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We party too much, we drink too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get  too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read  too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.  

In the following story the grandfather puts it realistically by comparing what has been and what is now. Let us discern and learn from it.

One evening a grandson was talking to his grandfather about current events. The grandson asked his grandfather what he thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.

The Grandfather replied, "Well, let me think a minute, I was born before: television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, Frisbees and the pill. There were no: credit cards, laser beams or ball-point pens.

Man had not invented: pantyhose, air-conditioners, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and  man hadn't yet walked on the moon.

How old is Grandpa???  Your Grandmother and I got married first, . . and then lived together. Every family had a father and a mother. 

Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, "Sir". And after I turned 25, I still called every man older than me, "Sir".  We were before gay-rights, computer-dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy.

Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, by good judgment, and  by common sense. 

We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions. Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege. 

We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent. Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins. 

Draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started. 

Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends, not purchasing condominiums. 

We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings. We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches on our radios. 

And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey. If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan’ on it, it was junk. 

The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam. Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of. 

We had 5 and 10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents. Ice-cream cones, phone calls, ride on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel.

And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards. 

You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, . . . but who could afford one? Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon. 

In  my day: grass was mowed,  "coke" was a cold drink, "pot" was something your mother cooked in and  "rock music" was your grandmother' s lullaby.  "Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office,  "chip" meant a piece of wood, "hardware" was found in a hardware store and  "software" wasn't even a word. 

And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us "old and confused" and say there is a generation gap. Our lives then was simplier but we had higher and better values. How old do you think I am? 

I bet what you have this old man in mind.........you are in for a shock!  Read on to see , scary if you think about it and pretty sad at the same time.

This man would be only 59 years old. 

However, with all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Tim