One of the first charms my mother bought for my charm bracelet that was a big trend back in the day was a Worry Bird.  I think I was 12.  My father tried to get me to stop worrying about things beyond my control but beyond ones’ control is the reason for worry.

Today as retired parents and grandparents our control is only in the form of guidance. We are now the older generation, trying to accept and keep up with the technology, ideas and new educational guidelines. Guidelines that have been installed in a school system that is far from the basic human needs and knowledge that has begotten today’s world inventions and scientists noted and quoted from generations past to present.  Kids need to have a childhood that is informative and carefree that sends them into the future with a good self image and fearless integrity.  Raising kids today gives parents a need for more knowledge and skills than just a good job and basic cooking ideas.  They need to have eyes in the schools where there children are being bullied and many times overlooked by a school system and teachers who are more intuned to regulations and meeting standards that address their job security and monetary advancements.  Leaving no child behind was just a political statement rather that a moral trend.

Retired life leaves me much time for worry.  I realize now how many times my eyes rolled as I explained to my parents some of the issues I was facing. Therefore to keep from causing the rolling eyes I try to listen more with less interjection of- well, when I was parenting- in order to think of some guidance I might be able give my kids at a less intense time.

God has told us in the scriptures not to worry about tomorrow as tomorrow will have it own problems.  I think I paraphrased His words a little.  But in order to realize my ability to keep my worries at a manageable limit I have been trying to keep my thoughts on today’s issues and give God tomorrow’s problems in case He decides tomorrow isn’t in this retired brides future.