The “greatest” generation or the G.I. Generation are those individuals born roughly between 1901 – 1927, meaning anyone today 93 or older. They were given this moniker because of the courage and sacrifice that stemmed from having fought or labored through the Great Depression and World War II. There has been much written on the topic and not all has been rosy but for the most part, this great generation did in fact grow a generation of extremely hard working men and women and they also unwittingly ushered in the baby boomer generation and both of those generations comprise the vast majority of those at risk of severe illness if contracting COVID-19.
Interestingly enough, from my limited perspective, those same generations seem to be the ones less troubled by this new global pandemic than what you might expect. A friend described her 94 year old father as one who has seen war first hand and has 94 years of trials, sacrifices, abundant joys, raised his family, has grandchildren and great grands to enjoy. He’s seen the ravages of war, watched his own parents struggle in ways we can only read about in history books. My own parents, only in their later 70’s, aren’t oblivious to the inherent dangers of catching a novel anything, much less this bad boy, but again, they are maintaining a level of calm and while a bit annoyed at having to stay more at home than what they, or anyone, is used to doing, they seem pretty content to ride it out and carry on with their lives.
My biggest guess is that these folks who have had decades of daily stresses, miles of “this too shall pass” adages, and have survived the throes of everything from war conflicts, personally dealing with diseases, family strife, business wins and failures, job turnovers, stock market pendulum swings, housing booms, tech booms, real estate & economic bubbles bursting, terrorist acts, divorces, children who died before they were supposed to, and through it all, they woke up another day.
Not everyone will get to, of course. Notice I didn’t say they didn’t suffer. They paid handsomely, and they have the wrinkles, gray hairs and shuffled gaits to show for it. They also have incredible resolve. They know the territory, they know the wages of worry. Mostly though, they know what they have is hard won and they are grateful for besting the beasts. The perspective of giants.
God in His infinite wisdom spoke through Matthew when he wrote, (v.34) “ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” He told us that the world was not of Him. It is not without joy but our forever is with Him. John 16:33 has always been my go-to verse and I print these versus as a hope and an encouragement, not judgement passed or disrespect. Genuinely they have been life saving for me.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me, you might have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.”
Look into the eyes of those who’ve walked the miles before us and rest in their wisdom and take peace from their calm. Remember this time; it will usher in another. If you waste today worrying about tomorrow, you’ll lose out on the joy that was meant just for this day. Go to sleep and remember it is well in your soul.
Elaine
