Our culture lies to us! There are two lies that our society tries to foster upon us at pivotal seasons in life. Both of them limit us. Both keep our lives smaller than they are supposed to be.
The first lie is aimed at the younger generation. It tells us, “I do not need to listen to older people; I can take care of myself. And if I need help, my friends will give better advice than the old fogies!”
The second lie targets the older folks. It tells us, “No younger person would really want to hear anything I have to say! I could possibly be of help to them, but they would never listen.”
These two deceptions cause us to miss incredible opportunities all around us both to gain and to provide support, encouragement, and direction for life. These two lies keep us from living, “generation to generation”.
Many never learn the value of participating in a civilization. Civilizations are meant to provide information, passed down from pervious generations to present generations, so that each generation does not have to “reinvent the wheel”! When this process is slowed down or stopped, every generation must learn from their own mistakes instead of taking advantage of what has been learned from those who have come before us – many who have made corrected the same mistakes.
Generational distinctions characterize different age groupings of people in our communities. At least four generations currently exist. Each group has a unique world view that affects its behavior and decision making. There groups are; Builders – born before 1946; Boomers – born between 1946 and 1964; Busters (Generation X) – born between 1965 and 1983; and Bridgers (Generation Y) born since 1984.
To better understand these groups, a question was asked recently: “What hero do you have – one you respect and want to be like?” Builders – “Gen. Dwight Eisenhower:=”; Boomers – “John F. Kennedy”; Busters – “Michael Jordan”; and Bridgers – “Paris Hilton”.
A second questions helps see the difference: “What invention has had the greatest impact?” Builders – “electricity”; Boomers – “television”; Busters – “computer and Internet”; Bridgers – “Facebook”.
Talk about a difference! From Eisenhower to Paris Hilton; from electricity to social networking on the iPhone! So great are the differences that it would be normal to have generational gaps if we do not work to better understand each other.
There are three vital principles to working in harmony with other generational groups: honor the older – reach out to the present – and teach the younger.
Honoring older people gives us access to vast repositories of wisdom stored up in the lives of seasoned men and women. We “honor” them by admiring their character, seeking their insights, and engaging them in meaningful conversation.
Having just spent several days with Dad (87 years old – Happy Birthday, Dad!), has shown me again some important benefits of the previous generation. I have seen how he has succeeded in spite of his personal struggles (he only got to go to the 8th grade in his teen years). I know that he has already lived through the difficulties that I face and am facing. I feel inspiration, example, and drive from observing my dad and his generation.
I also have the responsibility of helping my fellow travelers. My generation has witnessed a lot of disparaging things that have cause some to lose their way. The Vietnam “conflict” stole our innocence and caused us to become old before our time. As a result, many have simply “checked out” of society. Others have been so disillusioned by the fast-paced lives that have changed values drastically from known norms, causing soaring divorce rates and suicides. We have seen the “sexualization” of our culture until we cannot watch an hour of television without seeing at least two commercials about “sex aids”. No wonder many have lost their way.
I feel that we who have conquered certain “devils” in our lives should seek to help those of our own generational seaway find safe harbor. I do not have most of the answers, but the few answers that I have found, I should share!
Each generation must help make the “norms” the highest standard possible. We must not give in to taking the easiest pathway of life, but must strive for the excellence that will make this world a better place to live because of the trails we have blazed.
One survey taken of people 60 years of age and older asked, “If you could redo your life, what would you change?” The top three answers were: “I would risk more to try to reach more;” “I would reflect more so I would not make many of my dumb mistakes;” and “I would pour myself more into the things that would outlive me; I would seek to make a more positive impact on younger people.”
We should intentionally pour ourselves – our insights, skills, and encouragement into younger generations. We should take time to teach by both word and example what we have learned by “rote” and experience so what we pass along is not forever lost.
As members of a society, we are not called to simply live day to day, but generation to generation. These are three questions we should be asking ourselves to see how much we are contributing to this world:
“From whom are we learning life?”
“With whom are we sharing life?
“To whom are we passing on our life?”
