#3: Be A Repristinator, Not A Resister

“A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” Prov. 17:27

Elderitis: a state of unfruitfulness in old age creating a disconnection with other generations through a desensitized spirit, a hardened heart, a foolishness of mind, an absence of purpose, a loss of impact, and a loss of respect. It is a state in which the inner man is no longer being renewed, where vision is replaced by reminiscence, and wisdom gives way to folly.

An image of older generations frequently held by younger generations is that of a resister to change. Is it a fair assessment? Maybe, maybe not. The question should not be whether it is fair, but are there certain attitudes contributing to that impression? An old proverb says “the tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful (or vicious) tongue crushes the spirit” (Prov. 15:4). Such is the difference between a “repristinator” or a “resister”.

In case you are unfamiliar with the term “repristinator”, it is concocted from repristinate, which means to restore something to its original state or condition. You might be tempted, especially in today’s context, to interpret it to mean returning things to the way they used to be. But a repristinator’s objective is not to keep things the way they were, or to sulk over the way things have changed, but to work diligently to change what can and must be changed in accordance with what is true, what is right, what is beneficial and what gives glory to God.

Repristinators are problem-solvers, not problem persons; they choose to be examples rather than obstacles. They are concerned with the essence or substance of a thing, not the external trappings in which it exists. For example, a picket fence may be painted white or pink or any other color. The purpose of painting the fence has nothing to do with the color as much as maintaining its original condition and purpose. If it is not painted frequently, it will rot and fall apart. The same principle applies to your spiritual health and relationships with others.

As a grandparent, you choose which you are going to be in your children and grandchildren’s lives. For example, if you consider it your duty to inform your adult children how best to raise your grandchildren, you are acting as a resister and elderitis has set in. On the other hand, if you ask them how you can best come alongside and help them succeed in their parenting roles, you display the attitude of a repristinator. You don’t need a PhD to figure out which approach leads to healing and positive family relationships, and which will likely crush the spirit and rot a relationship. Pride and foolishness describe the resister, but wisdom and humility are the hallmarks of a repristinator—a powerful prescription against elderitis.

GRANDPAUSE: Fault-finding is dreadfully catching; one dog will set a whole kennel howling. –Charles H. Spurgeon