While this is merely an introduction to a grandiose topic that I have sought to explore, I could not help but lay an introduction to a most important topic that relates to mankind’s ability to live life to it’s fullest extent. One of the quickest ways to find joy and contentment is through thriving, diverse, multicultural, multiracial, and multigenerational relationships. For this particular blog, I want to hone in on the latter, multi-generational relationships.

If you haven’t guessed it by now, my intended audience is for the generation I am a part of, the millennials; however, it is my hope that those from other generations latch onto these Christian, kingdom principles, that will enrich both the young and the old. Believe it or not, there was a generation of people who came before us, and there will be one that comes after us. This is not something to be taken lightly, as the choices of one generation will blatantly effect the next.

The question for this generation is, “do we continue to live for this day alone, or do we make the world a better place for generations to come?”. Many think only one option is possible, but in no way is this true! Instead of merely being consumers of an era, my hope is for a generation of longterm visionaries, who seek to bless the young, the old, our planet, and ourselves. With this in mind, let us look into the importance of expanding our relational circles not only to those in a similar season, but to those who came before us.

My biggest fascination of studying history is the time stamp. Did you know that many of the fascinating events debated and talked about in our history classes have living, breathing, walking participants all around us today? Many have forgotten that we have walking, talking, history books living among us. It is important to realize that so many major historical events were not that long ago. In my pursuit of study, I have found myself exclaiming things like, “ Wait, this city was in a full blown spiritual revival only 100 years ago? Why didn’t someone tell me?” or “Society lived 10x more connected and present than we do only 30 years ago!?”, “Why is no one talking about this in a way that isn’t discriminating or condemning, but evokes positive change?”. So now, I am talking about it, and Sacred Mountain is a place where these things will be discussed, valued, and cherished.

Question To Consider: What if the older generation is waiting on an invitation to feel included in the current generation? and what if we need a little help from the older generation? These relationships are God-given branches of extension that give us multiple perspectives, stories that are more exhilarating than current movies, and purpose to those who may feel unrecognized in a fast-pace generation. Consider what their insight might have to offer you? Consider what your insight might offer to them? Consider a day where the young and the old live in community without criticism and judgement.

The next point is one of urgent importance, and that is the problem of cynicism. This plague runs rampant, and is one of the greatest hinderances to a joy-filled, life. Cynicism is a judgmental belief that people are all self-interested, and as a result leads the cynical one to bitterness, stereotyping, scoffing, and lack of participation. No generation has been immune to it, but can you imagine what our world would look like without it? Why is it that these multigenerational relationships do not often occur? Usually, it is due to disagreement, bitterness, cynicism, or lack of empathy, understanding, and patience. Why is it that many in the millennial generation turn their ears away from wisdom, advice, and connection with that of the older generation? The answer could also be cynicism, bitterness, judgement, and disagreement. It is rare jewel to find a thriving relationship between that of a person from a younger generation and that of an older generation. I am blessed to have many multi-generational relationships that are thriving, and have astoundingly benefited my life.

It is in these multi-generational exchanges that we enter into communion with one another. This is no longer a self-centered and self-seeking pursuit, it is the posture of recognition that we cannot possibly do life without one another. Generational communion is a dance that requires the participation of both partners. It requires grace, honor, acceptance, civility, and empathy from both sides in order to be harmonious. This is not always easy, but it is well worth having. It is important to recognize that every generation has had its banner moments of shame and triumph, and to choose purposefully to dig through the dirt in order to find the gold that it holds. This understanding of shame and triumph allows us to understand that humanity has never been alone. All of humanity has experienced, pain, suffering, laughter, tears, and even war. Let us not forget that we are never alone, and we do not have to be. Participate in the dance.

Questions to consider before pursuing multi-generational relationships:

What judgements from another generation have left me feeling unvalued or unapproved?
Am I willing to forgive those who have judged me in order to enjoy the blessing of God’s promise for spiritual mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers?
When is the last time I listened to someone from another generation’s story?
How could my life improve by having a multi-generational relationship in my life?
Who is a person who’s life I want to learn or benefit from?

God bless you as you pursue a rich, diverse community, and as you pursue being present with those who have gone before you.

-Emily Phillips

Generations: Why We Need Each Other