In my job at a local church, I regularly interact with older people. Sometimes we just chat before a church event. Sometimes I help put together details for a loved one’s memorial service. Sometimes I’m simply their best option for free tech support (“Have you tried unplugging it and plugging it back in?”).
My interactions make me wonder why some older people are really funny while others are really grumpy. (OK, I realize that is a huge oversimplification — you know, like all millennials are lazy bums living in their parents’ basements.) From my experience, some older people are full of quips, jokes and winks, and others seem always to be angry, and — by George! — you’re going to hear about it.
Recently in a staff meeting, someone asked one of our pastors who is a little older how he was able to remain positive, happy and outgoing while so many of his peers weren’t. How did he avoid becoming cynical over the years?
“I fight it,” he said.
Matt Ehresman 