Dear Ones,
Hope you have a day of sunshine! We hear more snow is coming our way. Today is Donut Day here and I hope to do food prep, studying and writing. Later we have Bible study.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
When Al and I were scoping out churches after a move, we visited a large church one Sunday morning, planning to go to Sunday School first. We were directed according to our age, and they not only offered a class to those more recently retired, but another class for older retirees. Somehow it didn’t seem to promote family togetherness, by separating us from enjoying others in different age brackets. We didn’t go back, but found a church where there was a mixture of ages for Sunday school with some who are in high school up to those who may be reaching 90.

I recently read an article by Chris Poblete, editorial director for Christianity Today pastors, and he writes on my favored view of sharing across the generations. I believe we too often separate people into peer groups rather than having them mix together. But don’t we learn and grow by others different from us: some who are ahead of us in our spiritual journey and some to whom we can serve as an example as they are only beginning their spiritual journey? A Barna Report last year showed that only 18% felt that their church helped them connect across the generations.

We are united by the Lord and He is our common denominator. Think of some lonely teen that might just be helped most by an older couple taking him under their wing and inviting him to enjoy some special times with their family. Or God using a Christian to speak into the life of a younger person who has tuned out their parent but is open to another voice. It takes courage on the part of both young and old to be open to others in a different stage of life. How many seniors would be thrilled to have a young person show them how to navigate on their computer after they share a meal together? And what wouldn’t a young adult give to just have someone listen to them, and encourage them to help find answers on their journey.

Like Poblete wrote, church shouldn’t be like a buffet where we choose what is familiar and favor what confirms our instincts as we connect with peers who share our same stage of life. When we do that, we miss having others stretch us and help us mature in our spiritual walk. Jesus prayed in John 17:21 that we may all be one, just as He and the Father are.

Challenge for today: Be open to learn from someone who has walked a little farther than you, and also be willing to walk with someone who can learn from you.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy