I had a conversation with a colleague not long ago discussing the drug problem in our nation. She shared her view regarding the unnecessary “wall” needed to keep drugs out. One statement that was made that stood out to me was “the drug problem is within our boarder”. As she turned away from me I stated, “You know you’re right, we have a big problem within our country. I think that problem stems from the fact that our citizens lack vision”.
Like a grandson and grandfather biking to a hilltop for a view, being active together gives us vision and more. As individuals connect to each other we can share the characteristics of God by providing experiences and guidance.
Lack of vision is an intergenerational problem – one that impacts all. Though a lack of vision can supersede generations, it is one that each generation can solve. The Bible tells us in Proverbs where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he. Vision for one’s life is not a lone sport. Vision happens like an interactive story that has a powerful intergenerational aftermath. Passed along, passed down, and passed to one another. A story so rich we never get tired of hearing about it.
VISION HAPPENS THROUGH CONNECTION
As individuals connect to each other we can share the characteristics of God by providing experiences and guidance. This is not about the old teaching the young, or the young with the old, but allowing our souls to reach beyond the mundane and redefine our current culture. It doesn’t have to be hard. However, God calls us to be obedient, and possibly get out of our comfort zone.
Mentoring others, opening yourself up to others, and giving your time to others provides an avenue to build vision in yourself and others. For me, vision for my life was listening to my parents tells stories of their past, watching my older sister get ready for high school, and listening to friends dreams. Ultimately, vision comes from [God in that role as] heavenly father. However, God can use us as a tool to help other generations gain a glimpse of purpose that leads to vision. As we are living out our lives in love, we can fulfill God’s promise to man. God is all about making connections.
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There are many things one does not know, but there are many things we can learn from each other. According to Warburton, Reedy, and Ng, “Of all the things we do, interaction with others is perhaps the most important, and least predictable”. Furthermore, the intergenerational relationships that we form help all of us to be “more empathic, engaged, respectful; caring relationships are the key to a joyful life”. Intergenerational relationships afford a “psychological investment” (Edward C. Warburon, 2014).
The Early Childhood Educational Journal states that intergenerational service learning provides rich opportunities for improved cross-generational understanding (Cynthia D. Fair, 2015). There are many opportunities to have thoughtful intergenerational relationships that help young and old find vision and move forward.
I never knew my grandparents. Three of my grandparents died before I was born. My mother had little interaction with the remaining grandparent. He died when I was a young teen. So growing up, I was void of [that aspect of] intergenerational relationships; relationships that I could have helped guide and reassure me when I faced fears, doubts, and conflicts.
THE POWER OF ADOPTION AND AVAILABILITY
When I first met my husband’s family, I was amazed by the scope of their intergenerational relationships. I listened with wonder and laughter to the stories of old, the wisdom that was shared, and mostly to a love that was deeply rooted. For the first time at the age of twenty-five I felt what it was to have grandparents, and aunts. Bernard, Marcella, Perl, Mary, and Vera were a generation of individuals that were kind enough to accept me as a grandchild and niece. I am ever grateful for the many conversations and the hands-on experiences they gladly provided. Most of all I am thankful for the unconditional love they gave and lessons they taught.
You see you don’t have to be related or have some special talent to have intergenerational relationships.
You just have to be available. How? Consider these or other possibilities:
WAYS YOU CAN ‘BE AVAILABLE’
– Befriend a young person.
– Be a volunteer at a school or non-profit.
– Rock babies at the hospital.
– Get involved with agencies that help families.
– Take your children to an assisted living facility.
– Mow your neighbor’s lawn.
– Offer to babysit.
– Get involved in your church.
– Bring influence to a program you might not otherwise.
Tell your story and – listen with your heart. As you do these things, you spark vision in others lives and you share the gospel of love. Furthermore, you reveal your story and the vision God has for your life. A true purposed connection that is derived from God.
Reference
Cynthia D. Fair, E. D. (2015). It is Good to Spend Time with Older Adults. You Can Teach Them, They Can Teach You: Second Grade Students Reflect on Intergenerational Service LEarning. Early Childhood Education Journal , 19-26.
Edward C. Warburon, P. R. (2014). Engaging Families in Dance: An Investigation of MovingParents and Children Together. International Journal of Education & the Arts .
