Brenda’s Blog – June 13, 2023
“Welcome to the future!” My 14 year old grandson eagerly told me he and his Mom have a special time to watch the TV show Monk. They enjoy solving the mystery and chuckling at Monk’s methodology. “Gram, would you like to watch it with me?” Of course my response was a quick, “Absolutely –.”
As a frequent insomniac and the cable program schedule, I often watch Tony Shaloub masterfully bring the detective to life. Its time bloc is midnight to 2AM. Not eager to drive from the hotel to their house I asked, “What time is it on?”
Laughing, he said, “We watch it whenever we want – we stream it. Welcome to the future, Gram!” Then it was my turn to laugh – and I did! I felt like an old 1960s woman checking in her TV Guide to see what each of the three channels offered!
What a lesson I learned that afternoon in Minnesota.
This experience triggered thoughts about the “water my grands swim in.” In order to have meaningful conversations I needed to understand this cultural moment, the influencers in their lives, and how they define purpose. My “lived experiences” do not correspond to theirs. However, I discovered a bridge – the generational commission.
The Bible tells us repeatedly we, the olders, are assigned a significant responsibility… telling the next generation(s) of God’s power, strength, goodness, and mighty deeds. The Psalms are replete with charges to use our time well communicating to those coming behind.
Who needs you to accept this commission? What opportunities has God given you to be a messenger of hope to a generation desperately hungering for stability and purpose?
God has chosen our children and grandchildren for this time. He will give them everything they need to serve Him well. He has given us the privilege of sharing the majesty, adequacy, and sufficiency of our great God with them. Start by reading Psalm 71 and 78 – David’s words will offer the challenge.