Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life (Job 12:2).
I was in the middle of cooking dinner the other night when my phone rang. As I was mixing veggies with olive oil, my hands too messy to answer, and I noticed his name on the screen: my beloved student, Charles.
I started teaching Charles when he turned 80 years old. At the time, he was a 6-handicap golfer, and his goal was to become a scratch golfer. We worked together on his game regularly for five years. He would drive three hours to the course where I taught, and we’d spend hours on the range and the golf course.
Sometimes, we’d grab lunch afterward and talk about life. I always learned so much from him about life and faith in God. Charles was changing the conversation at the club- a true Links Player before he knew it!
Charles is one of the most non-judgmental, loving, and genuine people I’ve ever met. When I look at him, I see the image of Christ. I always feel I could share anything with him and be met with love and safety. His advice is always so practical yet profound. I call Charles a true “Salty Saint.”
A “Salty Saint” is someone who lives a life full of impact, making a difference in the world. The term comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount when He said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned (Matt 5:13)?” Salt is essential—it preserves, prevents decay, and adds flavor. But if it loses its taste, it’s useless. Charles embodies the qualities of a “Salty Saint.”
He’s learned the art of living without worry, giving His cares to the Lord. He takes life one day at a time and is grateful for it. He always chooses love and sees the best in people. The fruits of the spirit flow through him effortlessly.
I truly believe his mindset and his deep well of love have contributed to his long, vibrant life. The Lord has blessed him. Although he would add working at the golf course four days a week, walking ten thousand steps a day, and lifting weights help contribute to his longevity.
It had been four years since we last spoke. After COVID interrupted our lessons, life got busy on both ends. So, when his call came, I was thrilled. He ended up leaving a message while I quickly washed the olive oil off my hands, and it said: “Meredith, I’m having issues with my swing, and I have some faith questions I’d like to ask you….”
Wait—me? He wants to ask me faith questions. He’s twice my age, and I feel like it should be the other way around. But that’s just Charles. His humility and servant-hearted nature make him always open to learning more about the Lord, no matter the age or source of wisdom.
I gave him a call, and we arranged a time for a golf lesson and to discuss his faith questions. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was a divine appointment orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. I’m well aware that any seasoned Christian in his ninth decade of life likely doesn’t need to learn anything from me; he’s a seasoned saint, already shining His light brightly in the world.
But I sense that this time together is less about me teaching him golf and more about me learning from him. His questions don’t just seek answers—they guide me toward truths the Lord wants to reveal. As Job states, “Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life” (Job 12:2).
Prayer: Lord, bless our elderly and use them in a might way for your glory giving wisdom to the next generation. We need them, Lord! May we all be ‘salty saints’ shining brightly for you!