Cross a Generation and Get Together: 40acts Days #8 and #9

I’m putting these two 40acts entries into one.

You can call it cheating but honestly,  it just worked out this way because tonight (Friday night) we had a get together and generations crossed.  Six young people from our congregation are participating in a confirmation class that I am leading.  We met this evening.   That’s right.   A group of young men, ages 14 to 18, gave up their Friday night to talk about faith and this church of ours.

I’ve heard more than once from some people at the church that this is a smaller number of individuals than what has been in confirmation classes in previous years.  It seems to be to be said with disappointment and just a bit of nostalgia, with a tone that reminds me of how my Dad sounds when he reflects on how there is less hair on his head now as compared to previous years.  Sigh.

When people express lament I try to understand but between you and me, I don’t really get it.  Because I don’t see the problem.  Did I mention there are 6 teenagers who gave up their Friday night to talk about faith?

When I think about crossing generations I think about honouring individuals and situations as we find them.   It’s okay to be sad about the fact that things aren’t what they used to be… ‘twas ever thus.  But if I had approached those young people who had given up their Friday evening and said in a discouraged tone, “We used to have a lot more youth in confirmation…(sigh).” I’d effectively be giving them the message, “You guys are okay, but….not really.”

Thinking about “what used to be” just keeps us locked in the time of “what used to be” and we miss the time of this moment.  And this moment is the one that God has given us.

In this moment God has blessed us.  I want the youth to know how their presence matters, how valuable their questions are and how important they are in this community of faith.   I want them to know that they each bring unique interests and skills and perspectives that no one else, past or future, embodies in exactly the same way.  I want them to know how impressed and how grateful I am that they are willing to share their time and stories.

And finally, I want them to know that as far as get-togethers go spending a Friday evening with a group of fun, thoughtful, and inquisitive youth certainly tops the list!