Testy and Cranky

Many young people perceive seniors to be testy and cranky. 

“I have a right to be!” exclaimed Mr. Ogaras. “I have paid my dues. I don’t owe anybody anything anymore.” 

Well, older adults get crotchety not because they think they are entitled to it, but because, according to Ali, a psychologist, “Seniors know their longevity is running out. They no longer earn as much as they did, yet their medical needs cost more than their Social Security pension. Then there are the physical discomforts—aches, pains, constipation, rheumatism, etc.—that come with the decay of the human body.” 

“May I add,” said a friend in her 70s, “Adult children who use Mom and Dad for babysitting or being there when needed, take some spark out of us. Of course, I enjoy this new role, but since we are just their hands and no longer in control, we feel helpless sometimes.”  

“As they say, ‘He who has the gold makes the rules,’” sneered Mr. Ogaras.  

“That’s where the testiness and crankiness come in,” Ali said, laughing. 

Many of us seniors may plead guilty to these bouts of bad behavior, which cause misery to the people at the receiving end. Being pleasant, then, is the route to go—a deliberate daily endeavor.  

How? 

Scripture can help us. It details a virtue that corrects unpleasantness: gentleness. It is the quality of being kind, mild-mannered, and gracious. “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2 NLT)

Jesus said in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  

Gentleness towards others is a struggle. Oh, how we need gobs of grace do it—every single day!