Why We Need the Older Generation
At the welcome reception of a recent work conference, I found myself sitting by and striking up a conversation with a lovely woman who was retired, and much older than me. We chatted about our careers and lives, and I hung onto every wise word she spoke, soaking up what I could from her abundance of experience. What brought us together was a common interest, she on the tail end of her season, and me just getting started. We could have easily found someone our own age to sit with, and I fear that happens all too often. It’s easier to relate to those who share our current experiences. It’s also not always helpful. Relating to another generation has its challenges, but the things that help us grow are usually uncomfortable, and rarely easy. What I came to realize that day was my undeniable need for the guidance of those who have gone before.
“Instruct the wise, and he will be wiser still; teach the righteous, and he will learn more.”
(Proverbs 9:9 CSB)
“We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become so dear to us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8 CSB)
These two verses speak volumes about my experience that day. As a younger woman, who is quickly approaching mid-life, there are a few things I think those who have lived a little longer need to know.
We are sorry.
Sometimes we forget to include you or consider your needs at your stage of life, mostly because we don’t know what that’s like. Since you’ve done such a good job raising us to be strong and independent, we also tend to forget that the roads we are traveling were paved by your blood, sweat, and tears. Please don’t let our enthusiasm to encourage our generation discourage you from jumping in and being a part of what we are doing.
We need you.
We need your wise instruction, so that we can learn more. We need you to share your lived experiences. We need you to share the gospel and your own lives! Fulfilling our purpose is often ignited and facilitated by your contributions. We also need you to keep on keeping on with your purpose, too. We need you to tell us the potential you see in us, caution us about the pitfalls of womanhood, and prepare us for the season we are approaching that you are already living.
We value you.
Some of my dearest friends are a season or two ahead of me. The encouragement and blessings that come from these friendships are invaluable. When an older woman takes the time and effort to lovingly encourage me with words of wisdom she has gained through hard-earned living, it is a treasure to behold. The world may tell us our value decreases with age, that as our ovaries dry up so does our ability to contribute. The God who made Sarah a mother of nations at ninety values the seasoned woman, and invites us all at any age to be a part of what He is doing.
There is strength in the bond between generations that may only be found if we come together, to encourage one another in our purposes, for a collective and greater purpose.
Reflection
1. List any barriers you experience in connecting with other generations.
2. How could you facilitate breaking down those barriers?
3. What do you have to offer the generation ahead of or behind you?
Goal Setting & Sharing
List three women of another generation that you can connect with, and a short plan for how to make the connection:
AInstruct the wise, and he will be wiser still; teach the righteous, and he will learn more. (Proverbs 9:9 CSB)
We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become so dear to us. (1 Thessalonians 2:8 CSB)
