The youth of today, that’s the problem. They have no respect, not like we had in our day. Not for old people, the law, our leaders, religion, anyone. How many times have we heard, or even spoken words like that?
The unfortunate reality is that for some young people it’s true, but it’s also true for people of older generations.
Recently a good friend of mine shared an experience he had – and a lesson learned. He was visiting his parents for a family reunion. All was well until his father started to do one of those things that always got his back up. As was his usual habit he became intolerant of what he saw was his father’s intolerance and made an issue of it. The exchange became vocal and loud. No one backed down and his father left the room. It was only then that he became aware that his four and six-year old boys had also left the room.
My friend’s wife sympathised with him but reminded him that his father was older now and may be finding it difficult to see his role in the family. This could excuse his father’s insistence on position and respect. She also observed that the boys were upset by the conflict and that they may grow up to treat him as he treated his father, if that’s their example.
My friend was appalled at his behaviour and apologised to both his father and to his boys for the incident. And so I pray,
Please Lord help me to cultivate respect. When I meet those who have more than me, let me be very happy; when with those who have less let me help them achieve more; and with my peers let me praise them and not have to compete. Hare Krishna.