A gift of age is the ability to gain perspective—“the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship.” In other words, it is the ability to put together the big picture from the relevant details of a situation or relationship. With age comes experience, and with experience can come perspective.

George Santayana wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I like to rephrase this quote, “Those who do not learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it.” A wise person will seek the counsel from those who have endured, persevered, and experienced the lessons of history.

As a younger man in the fellowship, I am thankful to be among friends and colaborers whom I can call or e-mail for counsel. Over the past year I have had the privilege of seeking counsel from several men to help me navigate tricky situations in ministry and find resources for sermon preparation. I am thankful for godly men who have made themselves available to younger men like myself to answer questions and give direction.

David King, Fellowship Baptist Church, Jasper, Indiana