I listened to a friend tell his story and I found myself in the story of generations. He was who he was because of his father and grandfather. Their stories influenced and shaped his in ways they never imagined. The details of their steps were replaying in his life, although the externals of time, place, and context were very different. I do not know if he will be as successful as the earlier generations were. I suspect that success will look different and end up being measured with very different eyes.
I can see certain parts of the generations before me replaying in my life. I remember their stories and realize that their love of Divinity has become a significant thread in my story. I know that others before me have noted the link that passes across generations. David’s comment is a familiar one; “Our children and their children will get in on this as the word is passed along from parent to child.” (Psalm 22.30)
The recent reminder of what I hope will happen with my story living created a new awareness. In his story, the threads remained constant however the way that it came to life was different. It was more than just the externals, although they were significant. The manner, methods, and priorities shifted. It was easy to see how the earlier generations had adapted to the time and place. I could see them turning over in the graves watching the new. If I could talk to them I would assure them that as different as this was, it made sense to me. Their legacy lived on.
I hope as am as accepting to the next generations way of seeing things as I am with his adaptation of his parents and grandparents. He has preserved what is important, adapting, and living in the moment. His actions are a reminder of hope. Truth is compelling in any age. Sometimes it looks different. Sometimes it acts in ways that appear to be inconsistent. At its heart, truth remains what it is and always has been.
