Note to 20-somethings . . .

Okay, I’m soon to be 52. I don’t run like I use to. In fact, a year ago I stopped running because my joints were aching too much. I’ve slowed down to a jog or a fast walk. On the other hand, my 21-year old daughter Julie is a fast runner, especially after four years of cross-country in high school where her team made it to state each year. I might have been able to beat her in my 20’s when I could run a six-minute mile, but not now.

I can’t keep up with you 20-somethings, but I’ll keep on the journey of this cross-era in history. I’ll get there, but not as fast as you will. I’ve got 50 years of tradition and theology to think through. You only have 20 or so. Don’t expect me to catch on as fast. I’ll keep learning and discovering, but it’s just simply going to take me longer. Not because I’m resisting it, but simply because I’m older. Be patient with me (and other boomers). I’m eager to learn, but the fact is . . . I may never catch up. There’s a good chance that I will finish this cross-era journey of life before the phase of post-modernism is even fully developed, while you’re still on the journey discovering it yourself.

Please don’t disqualify me, like my traditions and theology don’t matter anymore. I certainly don’t want to get stuck in the past. I admit there are some shortcomings to Western Christianity, but I’d like to pass the baton of positive things in modern Christianity that would be valuable to the next generation. Moving forward doesn’t cancel out the past, but it does broaden the horizon as two eras integrate into a new future.

So, be patient with me. I'll try not to get defeated or bothered that you are out in front of me. It might be helpful if every once in a while you turn around and cheer me on. And I'll do my best to cheer you on. Better yet, let’s hook up and just talk about our faith from time to time. I’ll walk with you and you can walk with me. I know we can learn from each other as we share in a posture of respect. I want to have an attitude of humility that follows Jesus whatever era I am in.

Someday 20 or 30 years down the road, you’ll find you’re one of the slower ones. You’ll see the young bucks up ahead. Hopefully you’ll be cheering them on while you're at the back of the pack. Hopefully you'll take the time to walk with them on their journey, learning from each other. We’re all in this together.