I think many of us get to be those “Get off my yard, you young whippersnapper” kind of people as we age. Not every day, but some days. I know that for myself, as I approach 60, I have those days when I wonder about younger generations. However, then I have other days when young people give me great hope for the future.
Recently, Art and I went to a high school graduation party for our friends’ son. Because the son was in music and drama in high school, many of his drama and music friends were there. When we arrived they had a game of poker going in the garage, but really it was a few who knew how to play teaching others who didn’t know how to play. We sat nearby for a while and listened to them, and it was wonderful. They were laughing. They were helping each other. They were sharing memories, and they were talking about the future. Listening to this group of friends, I could see that they have a bright future.
Over the last few months at church, we have gotten to celebrate with our young people at church. Three people celebrate their Confirmation, and three people celebrated their high school graduation. Then we had a week of Vacation Bible School.
Our young people are all very impressive and have a bright future. They are all hard workers. Almost all of them have jobs, in addition to going to school. At least one of the high school graduates took college courses while in high school and working a job, so that they are already ahead of the game for advanced learning. Some of them have been traveling this summer (2 to Washington D.C. and one to London and Paris) to see more of the world. Some of our young people came and taught or helped with VBS, giving their own time and even taking off work in order to help teach the younger children.
I like to think that Our Redeemer’s has helped to lay a good foundation in the lives of these young people, in addition to their families. The more we set a good example for the young people in our presence, the more they can see that anything is possible. Let continue to celebrate them!
Pastor Beth
