Years ago I attended a tea party in the Fellowship Hall of a small town church about an hour from my home. This is where my parents had their wedding reception, grandparents had their fiftieth anniversary party, great-grandparents held hands in the pews.
On this day the tables are covered in white linen and each place setting includes a vintage china cup, the kind that tempts you to stick your pinky out when you drink from it. The hostesses of this gathering are the lovely members of my Grandma’s Sunday School class, most of whom are now in their eighties.
There is one guest who is a distinct exception to this age range. My granddaughter, Eula (named after my grandmother) is here with her Mama and I. She’s wearing a pink bow and charming everyone. At some point I realize five generations of my family are represented. This is beautiful to me. “For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever; His faithfulness, through all generations” (Psalm 100:5).
We, as humanity, have gone through a difficult time the past few years. What we’ve faced has made me think more about generations, how we need each one and the gifts they bring.
If you’re in the senior crowd, we need the perspective and resilience you’ve gained from many life experiences. You know what it is to overcome obstacles, make it through challenges, and see God’s hand in history. We long for your encouragement and hard-won wisdom.
To those of us in the middle, let’s not miss the divine hidden among the mundane and ordinary. We can touch a life whether we’re holding a microphone or warming up mac-and-cheese in the microwave. We can show up where we are, as we are, steadily and faithfully. We can remember what’s visible isn’t more valuable.
To those younger, it’s never too early for God to use you. You don’t have to wait to feel ready. We need your optimism and energy, your fresh outlook on the future, and your daring. If you received something yesterday—even five minutes ago—then you have something to give to someone else.
I’m falling in love in a new way with the idea of generations—with the beauty and strength we have when we link arms and stand side-by-side, like a glorious timeline of God’s grace. Together we can look back with gratitude for what God has done and look forward with anticipation for what He has yet to do. And we can each choose to make a difference where we are now, in the season we’re living today, in our kitchen or cubicle, over Zoom or in a Fellowship Hall.
This is what my heart understands better each year, what I want to pass on, what I truly believe: We all have something to offer. We all have something to receive. Now, more than ever, we are better together.
MORE FOR YOU
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for making each of us in Your image. We’re unique and yet so much better together. Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teach us how to live and love our communities well. Gently show us what You’ve placed inside, what we’ve been given to offer one another for the furthering of Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Learn: I’ve added bonus content to the 7 Ways to Thrive as an Introvert Course! If you’re an introvert and you want to not only embrace who you are but also become all you’re created to be, this is for you.
Free download: A decade has gone by since I first wrote You’re Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be. Since then over 100,000 women have experienced that message. I’ve heard your stories of changed lives, strengthened hearts and a new sense of purpose. But I have a feeling the coming days will offer us the opportunity to be even more amazed by the God who created us, the plans He has for each of us, and the freedom, joy and love we can find in Him. Will you join me? Will you dare to hope and believe God has even more to show us? If so, I want to share a free excerpt with you.
