Wise Old Owl

by Diane Hopkins on December 30, 2011

The older I get, the less I have to say.  I still talk a lot, trust me, but not half as much as I used to! And the older I get, the less passionate are my opinions. It would seem that the older you get, the more you would know, but it is having quite the opposite effect on me.  I can more often see both sides, and I feel like I know things less surely.

I was pondering this and remembered a poem I had taught my children years ago in homeschool:

 

A wise old owl lived in an oak

The more he saw the less he spoke

The less he spoke the more he heard.

Why can’t we all be like that wise old bird?

 

I’m getting to be an old bird, and trying to learn to be wise, too.  Listening helps a lot!

{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }


     I'd sure love to hear your comment!

Suanna January 2, 2012 at 5:59 pm

Thanks, I like the saying. I think I'll post it on my wall.

fran January 1, 2012 at 7:45 pm

I am getting older and this is so very true. Thanks for sharing the wisdom…

Homeschooling Mom December 31, 2011 at 7:19 pm

So that's why the older ladies at Church sit in the back and don't say much!

Diane, you are not old! But you are wise. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with everyone.

Happy New Year!

Valerie Wilson December 31, 2011 at 2:45 pm

Just wanted to tell you that this poem was my very first Primary talk, given about a hundred years ago. . . I have never forgotten it! And what you say IS true; I feel like I know less as I am exposed to more. I do more of humbly trying to keep my mouth shut, unless of course it is important to speak up for the truth, which we have plenty of opportunities to do. I look forward to reading more of your wisdom in the coming new year. Happy New Year, Diane!

Sheila December 31, 2011 at 1:40 am

I'm grateful for your wisdom, and your willingness to share it. I have several things you've written, plus I read your newsletters and blog, and I always learn a lot from you.

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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }


     I'd sure love to hear your comment!

Suanna January 2, 2012 at 5:59 pm

Thanks, I like the saying. I think I'll post it on my wall.

fran January 1, 2012 at 7:45 pm

I am getting older and this is so very true. Thanks for sharing the wisdom…

Homeschooling Mom December 31, 2011 at 7:19 pm

So that's why the older ladies at Church sit in the back and don't say much!

Diane, you are not old! But you are wise. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with everyone.

Happy New Year!

Valerie Wilson December 31, 2011 at 2:45 pm

Just wanted to tell you that this poem was my very first Primary talk, given about a hundred years ago. . . I have never forgotten it! And what you say IS true; I feel like I know less as I am exposed to more. I do more of humbly trying to keep my mouth shut, unless of course it is important to speak up for the truth, which we have plenty of opportunities to do. I look forward to reading more of your wisdom in the coming new year. Happy New Year, Diane!

Sheila December 31, 2011 at 1:40 am

I'm grateful for your wisdom, and your willingness to share it. I have several things you've written, plus I read your newsletters and blog, and I always learn a lot from you.

Leave a Comment