There are some days
I just really want to talk to my parents.
This summer it will be 20 years since my mother died
And 11 since my dad.
That’s a long time.
I’ve accumulated many questions
In those decades.
I seemed to have hit an age
Or stage
Where I want to draw on their wisdom.
It goes something like this…
Many of the things in my life,
Things that have been staples,
Seem to be changing
Radically.
Institutions that have been the foundation
Of our culture
No longer have the same importance.
It’s definitely time to hand the responsibility
Off to the next generation.
But do they want it?
Did we want it
When it was our turn
To take the lead?
I don’t remember even asking myself that question.
And if we let go
We can be guaranteed
There will be change.
That word that so many dread.
So how do we graciously
Begin to step aside
Providing help and sharing wisdom
At the same time embracing their changes.
How do we hold on
And let go
At the same time?
Live with the paradox.
It’s a delicate balancing act
For both generations.
I have a great example of this
In my life
As chair of the Nurture Committee
At my church.
Five smart, talented, wise and committed
Young women join me on the committee.
We constantly seek ways to nurture our congregation
And our community.
Reaching out to young families
With new ideas and activities
And working to support the foundation
That so many have known for so long.
So how do we keep all the balls in the air?
How do we keep what matters
And still make room for innovation?
How do we decide what is important
Enough to keep
And what to let go of?
How does one generation
Graciously encourage the next?
Pondering,
Gail
In My Garden 
Thought provoking post, and I wish there were answers to point at because it would be a better world for all of us.
Thank you Judy, I guess we all just have to keep working at it and keeping our hearts open.
I ponder , and even to the point of worry about the same things, and get nowhere. I do miss my parents. I’d so love to hear what my mom would think in so many situations. She was very wise. Our church is the most troubling. When I spoke with Jeff Mabry Friday, we had to reminisce of our days growing up from the crib to graduation at FPC. Seeing Christy Neal with her mother a few Sunday’s ago brought about those same emotions. We were such a tight group. I really long for our own youth to experience a bit of the same. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Linda Moore
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Thank you Linda. Wants & needs are so different from generation to generation. It’s hard to keep our hearts and minds open to change, but I am determined to do it.