The Bible is full of stories of the younger generation being mentored and taught by the older generation. We see countless examples of elders passing on wisdom. Biblical stories teach that it takes a plethora of people to help raise and provide support for individuals. We are not meant to live this life alone, nor are we meant to only live it with our friends and family.
Multi-generational family and community is incredibly important to our spiritual development. Cross-generational relationships are more than mother-daughter or father-son connections. It’s people from ALL walks and stages in life coming together to form a tight knit community of support and love to help one another thrive. Having people looking out for you and helping you grow, provides an incredible opportunity for you to more easily see who God is molding you into.
Establish Multi-generational Community
Establishing a multi-generational community in your life isn’t just about finding spiritual help. It’s about finding support and care for all aspects of your life. Seek wisdom in your favorite sport or pastime. Find someone who can help you hone in on a particular skill or talent. Gain expertise in developing a good daily routine. Have support from people who can help you develop a healthy independance. Find people who can help you see true joy, love and passion in your life.
Our society can be great at separating people by generation, our church does this too. We have Children’s Church, Youth Group and Adult Sunday School classes. This separation can be helpful for walking alongside other people who are experiencing similar life challenges and journeys as one another.
Since these separate groups have been established, then it is actually very easy to enter into a variety of groups to create a community filled with people from every generation of life.
Finding the Right Community
How can you create cross-generational relationships in your life?
Be a Mentor
You can volunteer to teach Sunday school, or babysit younger kids in your neighborhood. But you don’t have to be older to be a mentor. There are plenty of adults who are solidifying their walk in life who may be interested in having someone young and vibrant walk with them. If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t offer the help and support they’re looking for because of your age, then together you can find a resource that can help you both grow.
Find a Mentor
Seek someone who could speak wisdom and encouragement into your life who has gone before you and experienced some of life’s greatest blessings and challenges. If you don’t know where to find this person:
- Ask your parents if one of their friends would be interested in connecting with your on a regular basis.
- Inquire if your pastor or youth pastor knows anyone in the church who would be willing to meet with you and pray over your life.
- Touch base with your coach, counselor or teacher to see if they know someone who can guide you in a personal interest or career goal.
Join a Group
Your church most likely has a Bible study through your youth group that you can attend, but consider attending a Bible study for adult women as well. These women will be able to share so much wisdom with you, it’s unbelievable. You’ll treasure their insight and support, and they’ll treasure YOU.
Volunteer
Though it’s true that you can meet people of various ages and stages in life while volunteering, consider volunteering to help a particular generation in which you don’t have a lot of access. Perhaps this age group is the elderly, befriend a person at an assisted living facility. If you don’t spend a lot of time with children, then play an active role in VBS.
Hang with your family
Your family naturally has multiple generations. Find some time to visit your grandma’s house to learn how to make your favorite recipes. Or sit with your uncle and have him teach you how to master his craft. Invite your younger cousins over to your house for an epic play dough extravaganza. If your family is far away, then give them a call, write letters, or Facetime – everyone (even grandpa) knows how to now!
Spend time with your neighbors
Neighborhoods can bring together people from all walks of life. Ask your mom and dad if you can help them plan a low-key monthly gathering: perhaps popcorn and a kids movie projected on the garage, a taco bar where everyone brings their favorite filling, or barbeque and games in the backyard. If neighbors aren’t interested or able to participate in the activity, they can come and enjoy the company. Have age appropriate entertainment for all ages – coloring, books and bubbles for the kids and large print card games for older generations.
Outside extracurricular activities
Instead of staying at school to do your extracurricular activities, head off-campus to learn the same skills with other people who are a different age. Your local Rec center or a nearby community college or university may have classes to offer. Check out various social communities or book clubs at your library. Perhaps your county offers classes. You can join a sports team offered by your community, or go to an intermediate adult dance class at a local dance studio to meet people with similar interests.
It’s easy to settle into the comfort of your current community. Close friends and family are a blessing from God, and should not be overlooked in developing great relationships. But challenge yourself to analyze the people in your community, and see where you might have gaps in varying ages and stages of life. God has so many people He wants to make available to you to support you and help you develop into the beautiful woman He’s creating you to be.
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