Norman Rockwell’s Outward Bound

By Betty Simpkins

Have you ever seen any of the paintings by Norman Rockwell? His artwork is synonymous with Americana because he knew how to put average people in the limelight.

One of my all time favorites is the scene depicting a ridge along a seashore upon which stands an old sea captain and his very young protégé. I’m sure you’ve seen it a time or two on a calendar or in a magazine. 

But there is more to the picture than the immediately pleasing spectacle of a wind-ruffled sea, gulls in flights, and the faithful pup by his little master’s side. It is a sublime example of a relationship that is as important as bread and butter.

It is, very simply put, the beauty of past and future enjoying a fleeting moment of today—together. 

Together, what a lovely idea! It is this need of every man, woman, and child that makes us human. We need companionship. And not just the association of those within our age group, or those interested in the same subjects. We need associations that inspire, encourage, even provoke sometimes, because that’s how we learn.

Statistics say that we usually learn better when we are happy and feel secure. This is where the old and the young come into the picture. We can learn from one another because neither feel the other is trying to intimidate or outdo their companion. 

Youth feels physically superior to the material strength of age, while age knows it has far more wisdom than youth realizes it doesn’t possess yet. Consequently, neither feels they really have to prove anything. This leaves the field of opportunity wide open for both of them. 

Youth needs the stability and solidity that age provides. Age has already been there, done that (most of the time). Age has also seen fears and joys come and go; has dealt with hard blows and great encouragements. But through it all, age has learned that time will come and go whether or not he worries about it.

The early 20^th century comedian Charlie Chapman once said, “Nothing in this wicked world is permanent; not even our troubles.”

Age has experienced this, and come out on the winning side.

Youth has much to learn; but also much to give. Where age begins to see weakness in themselves, and can start to feel sidelined by the daily activities of others, youth can offer a unique joy in life that brings a special kind of hope to each new day. 

Youth is so vibrant, full of ideas and exuberance. The listening ear and proffered attention of this young society puts a twinkle in the eyes and a certain pulsation in the heart of age.

This is why that relationship is so beautiful, because each is only there to enjoy one another, not prove to one another.