Generation to Generation
"One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty works." (NIV)
James Bruce and I headed this afternoon to the high school track to walk. It was a glorious fall Sunday afternoon. The temperature was just right for a good walk and the trees were beautiful in their fall colors.
Our high school coaches were busy working in the athletics film room, but I counted at least five different pick-up touch football games involving 70-80 people going on simultaneously on the varsity football field. It was fascinating to watch as folks from all ages and stages of life spread out across the field and allowed multiple games to occur all at the same time.
James Bruce and I were on our first lap when we rounded the turn by the baseball field. The football practice field came into my view and I just started laughing. There were lawn chairs, coolers, parents and about 20 little 5 or 6 year olds down on the practice field. The kids were divided into two teams- red and blue. The Dads took turns, first setting the offense to run a play and then running over to the other side to set the defense. When everyone was ready, a play was run. It looked like chaos, but it was really cute. The kids were all so little, but the Dads were teaching, coaching, and explaining what went right and what went wrong as if it were the Super Bowl.
As I walked, I watched the passes, runs, and kicks by the various teams on the upper field. I wondered how many of these teenagers, young adults, dads, and yes, even granddads were exercising and how many of them were living out their dreams on the football field. The more I walked, the more I reflected on the younger kids and dads down on the practice field. Yes, they were playing a game, but the time spent, and the intensity of what was being taught was undeniable. These parents were intentionally transferring their love of football to the next generation of little boys. It took considerable time and effort, and I'm not sure how much football knowledge the little boys really got out of it, but the time spent was both intentional and relational.
God's primary design for the transfer of truth from one generation to the next is the family. He intends that we teach His truth across generations at the heart level through relationships that are nurtured in everyday life. The Dads that I watched were intentionally teaching the game of football to their sons. They invested time, effort, and energy to effectively communicate the principles and knowledge that was important to them. But how many of us are doing that with spiritual truths and principles that are important to us? Do we know, and have we clearly articulated to the next generation, those life truths and principles that we hold most dear?
For many of us, holidays are an opportunity to spend some extended time with loved ones. Why not use this time as an opportunity to transfer some truth- one generation to the next? Here are some ideas to help get you started:
What are your 2 favorite hymns?
Do you have a life verse? If so, do you loved ones know what it is?
What's your favorite recipe and why?
What's your favorite family tradition?
In 3-5 words, how would you like to be remembered?
Name at least 2 memorial stone events in your family's life.
What are the most important life principles that you need to share with your children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews?
Name 5 things for which you are grateful.
Prayerfully spend some time and ask God to help you think through those issues that are closest to your heart. Then relationally and intentionally use the next few weeks of holidays as "holy days" to point the next generation to God. Seize the everyday opportunities that God gives- from a Sunday afternoon pick up football game to kitchen clean-up on Thanksgiving day- to tell of His mighty works.
"Let me tell you what He has done for me." Psalm 66:16 (NIV)
Generation to generation,
Donna
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