Crossing The Generation Gap

Crossing The Generation Gap "One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts." Psalm 145:4 Last week I received two e-mail messages from friends who are each ninety-six years old. My mother is currently 96 years old, and a few months ago I turned 71. I enjoy texting and talking with friends who are in the winter season of their life, as they are always ready to impart their wisdom and share their experiences. We learn from people who have faced experiences in life and are willing to share their wisdom. I also enjoy sharing with others that are younger than me, as often they see things from a different perspective than I do, and I find their wisdom helpful as well. These e-mail made me think how many people do I know who are at least twenty-five years older than I am, and how many people do I know who are at least twenty-five years younger than I am? Typically we hang out with people near our own ages. Perhaps that’s a carryover from our years in school where most of our friends were classmates and our own age. Perhaps it's because we associate with people who are going through similar life situations, with kids in school, or empty nesters, or fellow employees, or perhaps with people who are in their retirement years as we are. It is always nice having friends who are our own ages and with whom we share much in common. At the same time I have been immeasurably encouraged by friendships that cross the generations. Those older than us offer their wisdom, spirit, and love, and those younger also offer their wisdom, spirit, and love. Ask yourself if you are in groups and activities that will allow you to meet and to grow real friendships with people across the spectrum of age, and if not what are you going to do about it? Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other is gold. Jesus met with all ages, and expects us to do the same. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven July 15