Old Crow

You may wonder, at my age, what I can contribute to your lives. I have been where you are and know where you are going. But you have not yet been where I am. I quote a few lines of classic poetry:

The old crow is getting slow.

The young crow is not.

Of what the young crow does not know

The old crow knows a lot.

At knowing things the old crow

Is still the young crow’s master.

What does the slow old crow not know?

—How to go faster.

The young crow flies above, below,

And rings around the slow old crow.

What does the fast young crow not know?

—Where to go.

October 2011, General Conference, Boyd K. Packer

My shadow on this farm is worth more than the labor of all of you

President McKay told an interesting story. He said, ‘A farmer had a large tract of land. When he grew old it became too much for him. He had a family of boys. He called the boys around him and told them they would have to carry the load. The father rested. But one day he walked out into the field. The boys told him to go back, they did not need his help. He said, “My shadow on this farm is worth more than the labor of all of you.”’

April 2006 General Conference, Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, Gordon B. Hinckley

Blessing of Aging

It is the blessing of aging,with visible reminders that we are mortal beings destined one day to leave this“frail existence.”10

Russell M. Nelson, October 1996 General Conference, The Atonement

Make the Sabbath a delight by rendering service to other

Make the Sabbath a delight by rendering service to others, especially those who are not feeling well or those who are lonely or in need.20 Lifting their spirits will lift yours as well.
Russell M. Nelson,  "The Sabbath Is a Delight", April 2015 General Conference

I Hope You Understand the Importance of Visiting the Lonely, Sick, or Discouraged

I would hope that all of our young adults, whether or not you served full-time missions, understand the importance of visiting with people who are lonely, sick, or discouraged—not only as an assignment but also because of the genuine love you have for Heavenly Father and His children.

The Greatest Generation of Young Adults,  M. Russell Ballard, April 2015 General Conference

We Have to Live A Long Time to Learn How Empty A Room Can Be That Is Filled Only With Furniture

Elder Richard L. Evans of the Quorum of the Twelve. Said he: “It is difficult for those who are young to understand the loneliness that comes when life changes from a time of preparation and performance to a time of putting things away. … To be so long the center of a home, so much sought after, and then, almost suddenly to be on the sidelines watching the procession pass by—this is living into loneliness. … We have to live a long time to learn how empty a room can be that is filled only with furniture. It takes someone … beyond mere hired service, beyond institutional care or professional duty, to thaw out the memories of the past and keep them warmly living in the present. … We cannot bring them back the morning hours of youth. But we can help them live in the warm glow of a sunset made more beautiful by our thoughtfulness … and unfeigned love.” 

Thomas S. Monson, What Have I Done for Someone Today, October 2009 General Conference

Let Us Include our Children in Our Ministering

As we resolve to minister more diligently to those in need, let us remember to include our children in these learning lessons of life.
Thomas S. Monson, The Long Line of the Lonely, April 1981 General Conference
A Prophet's Voice--Messages from Thomas S. Monson p. 173

Not Only Had I Enjoyed My One-Sided Conversation With Her--I Had Communed with God

I may have missed a meeting, but I harvested a memory.

Let’s hurry along to Redwood Road. There is a much larger home here where many widows reside. Most are seated in the well-lighted living room. But in her bedroom, alone, is one on whom I must call. She hasn’t spoken a word since a devastating stroke some years ago. But then, who knows what she hears?—so I speak of good times together. There isn’t a flicker of recognition, not a word spoken. In fact, an attendant asks if I am aware that this patient hasn’t uttered a word for years. It made no difference. Not only had I enjoyed my one-sided conversation with her—I had communed with God.

Thomas S. Monson, The Long Line of the Lonely, April 1981 General Conference
A Prophet's Voice--Messages from Thomas S. Monson p. 173

I like this because it reminds me of my frequent visits to Aunt Caroline Vincent.  She would not say much as time went on.  Yet I recall after one, one sided conversation with her she turned to me and said, "Thanks for coming."  Tender memories, really.

Parent Neglect

It is our sacred duty to care for our families. Often we see what might be called “parent neglect.” Too frequently the emotional, social, and, in some instances, even the material essentials of life are not provided by children to their aged parents. This is displeasing to the Lord.
October 1998 General Conference, Thomas S. Monson, Goal Beyond Victory

A Prophets Voice - Messages From Thomas S. Monson p. 224

He Recognizes the Value of A Short Visit

Not only did our Savior love all; He served all. Expand your goodness to many. Old and young can be greatly blessed by your kind service. President Monson, since the time he was a young man, has always had a special place in his heart for the elderly. He recognizes the value of a short visit, a ready smile, or a squeeze of a well-worn, wrinkled hand. Such simple acts of charity bring color into a life that sometimes is made up of long, lonely, gray days. I would invite each of you to be mindful of your grandparents and the elderly. Look around at church tomorrow and identify those who could use your shade of color added to their life. It doesn’t take much: greet them by name, engage them in a short conversation, be available to assist them. Could you open a door or offer to help with their home or garden? What is a simple task to you at your young age can be an overwhelming project for an older person. “Remember this: kindness begins with me.”


Mary N. Cook, "Remember Kindness Begins with Me", Ensign May 2011 p. 120

Old Folks Offer A Sure Knowledge That Things Can Be Endured.

We live now in troubled times. In the lifetime of our youth, the troubles will never be less and will certainly be more. Old folks offer a sure knowledge that things can be endured.

Author: President Boyd K. Packer
Title: The Golden Years
Where: Ensign, May 2003, 82