A few weeks ago, my History of Missions class took a trip to Boston to visit some sites we have learned about this semester. On our journey, we stayed with members of the Natick Church of Christ for a night.
A sweet, upper middle-aged couple hosted three other female students and me. They welcomed us into their home with open arms and treated us like their own family. Before we all went to bed, we got to spend some time talking. I was expecting the conversation to be surface-level, but it ended up being one I will never forget.
As we drank our tea together, we talked about the millennial culture. Our hosts were former campus ministers, so young people have always been an interest for them. Our generation was one that they have yet to understand. They asked us questions about how we get our generation to church and the use of musical instruments in worship. They were hungry to learn about our churches and the way they are changing. We expected them to cast judgment on us, but they did not. They realized that we grew up in a different time.
The interaction was pleasant and impactful. Twenty-somethings need to spend more time with the older generation. We feel as if they are against our generation, but that is not the case. They are actually some of our biggest fans and they will tell us. They see value in us, because we are no longer the future, but the now.
Our hosts told us about some of the observations they made about our generation, one of which is that we are accepting. We can see someone that is completely different and still find worth in his or her existence. Millennials are consistently striving to be more accepting, and it is rewarding to see that the older generations see that in us.
We assume things about the older generations too often and assumptions will not build bridges. We need to bridge this gap, because each generation has something to learn from the other.
We should be drawn in by their wisdom, but we also have something to teach them, even if it is just how to use an iPhone. Although we were all raised during different times with different issues, we all have a common desire for peace to come upon our cities, churches and all the nations.
Seeking out intentional conversations with older people can only benefit our generation. We can learn from their mistakes and successes. These intentional discussions need to happen now. We have the privilege of walking among many people full of wisdom. They are standing on the sidelines cheering us as we become leaders.
