Yes, the cup in front of me has become more refined, the quality of the beans has improved, and the methods of making have been enhanced. The “but” is simple and direct; a cup of espresso is still an espresso, even after a hundred years since it was first introduced in Milan. I looked at the cup and wondered how far I could extend the metaphor; “One generation goes its way, the next one arrives, but nothing changes – it’s business as usual for old planet Earth.” (Ecclesiastes 1:4)
I found myself debating with myself. The losing position was that nothing changes with time.
Each generation and every individual changes during their time on Earth. One could suggest that generations mark points on society’s trend, at times growing dark, on other occasions moving towards enlightenment and even towards glory days. Each cup of coffee is subtly different from the other. Temperature, how it is made, and the ambience in which it is delivered and served contribute to the experience of what the cup is and contains. I am not my father, even with all the things we share. More importantly, what was does not dictate what will be. You and I have the freedom to write our own stories.
Generations can be connected. I loved my grandfather’s stories. Sadly, I did not hear as many as I hoped. With time, I have lost some of what he shared. The same is true with my father. Life often uses triggers to create whispers that remind me of a story, action, and experience we shared. As human as he could be, he also worked to share the lessons, learnings, and reflections. There are more lessons to be learned from the process of the two generations to mine. Keys to the flow include openness, dialogue, and, most importantly, time. Each contributes to the connection and flow between one generation and the next.
Wanting to learn and grow is part of change. Curiosity, questions, and hearing the stories are the keys that changed my generation and contributed to the next.
