October is called the month for showing “Respect for Elders.” In October, students of the Lutheran Elementary School met with an older generation—members of the Handmade Club which has existed in our church for many years. After the meeting of these two generations, we realized that love and respect for elders is a natural law, which everyone should learn and observe.
Members of the Handmade Club have sold and given their products to many visitors and friends of our church. The beauty of traditional Slovak products are going to other countries and homes, thanks to these handmade gifts. Our students wanted to honor the Club members for their longtime ministry and practical love to neighbors.
There was much lively discussion between the students and the Handmade Club members—who are about the same age as many of the students’ grandparents. Students were interested in hearing about life under the communist regime, but they also wanted to know about options for study many years ago. The most interesting fact for the students was that the people sitting in front of them were witnesses to this part of our history, something that their parents cannot remember. Through the experiences of these elders, the students also learned about daily life in past ages, and heard stories from real lives, which no book could tell in such a lively and engaging way.
Because of the discussion and the opportunity to ask questions, students realized that respect for elders should be a natural component of our life; it should also be spontaneous and friendly. “We realized that we should not forget to greet one another, which is an expression of friendship, respect, and courtesy to other people; and it is true regardless of age,” said one student.
This meeting of two generations, between people who lived in different times and under different political regimes, showed us that the oldest and youngest can also be good discussion partners, friends, and an excellent audience to each other. The students thanked their guests for their longtime ministry in our church and gave them gifts at the end of this wonderful meeting. The elders especially appreciated the handmade gifts, which the students prepared for this special time.
