The Joy of Generations
When I was a kid, every few years we would go to our family reunions. I loved them, even though I had to ask my mom over and over who people were and how they were related to us. I always looked forward to these get-togethers not only as reminders of who I was related to, but because they gave me stories and history and connection.
My grandfather had 11 brothers and sisters, and not a one of them ever knew a moment that didn’t need to be filled with their voice. The uncles had their unending jokes that made you groan and laugh at the same time. The aunts brought their unbelievable food. The sugar high from the desserts alone could power you straight through to the next day.
It was inevitable that there would be singalongs of favorite hymns or old standards, the stories about living as kids in a railroad boxcar or being raised in church, and a fair amount of bragging about new jobs, kids, and the latest grandbaby genius.
Those reunions were where I got to know the joy of generations. Young and old, beautiful singers and off-key crooners, storytellers and jokers, musicians and entrepreneurs, cooks and enthusiastic tasters; connecting with one another like a warm quilt stitched with shared memories.
Last Sunday, the message by David Aussenhofer, our Youth Ministries Director, reminded us how much God values generations. He taught from Acts 2:17, where God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people. Sons and daughters will prophesy, the young will see visions, the old will dream dreams. God isn’t limited by age. He moves through children, teens, and elders alike.
Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts” because God loves the generations and He loves to work within that framework. He wants His stories, His power, His faithfulness passed down like old family recipes, from hearts that know Him to hearts still learning.
When we take opportunities to step into different generation’s worlds, we can receive so much. Whether it’s the noisy toddler zone, the teenage emotions rollercoaster, or the quiet insights of the mature, each generation can give and receive from one another.
Psalm 100:5 says, “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
As David reminded us, God speaks across generations to move in the world, and each generation has a distinct sound that matters. Children carry wonder. Youth bring passion. The mature offer wisdom. When those sounds and energies are brought together, different in tone but united in purpose, it creates a powerful harmony that invites God’s presence and changes lives.
So next time you’re with someone from another generation, maybe ask them a question. Listen to their story. Tell them one of yours. And let the sounds of the generations do what they were made to do - declare the mighty acts of God.
Generations Challenge:
• Start a cross-generational conversation this week. Ask someone older or younger than you to share a story about their faith journey, a prayer they’ve seen answered, or what God has been teaching them lately. Listen well and be ready to share something from your own walk too.
• Invite someone from another generation to serve or worship with you. Whether it’s volunteering side-by-side, praying together, or simply sitting with them at church, look for a way to build relationship through shared purpose or praise. Faith is often caught, not just taught.