I grew up in a world of closed systems. From a neighborhood with cactus walls and confidence in being the bearer of truth to societies that believed only the authorized knew to a school that assured us that everything we needed to know was in our textbooks, little indicated that there was anything beyond. There were exceptions to the norm, but few were recognized for what they were.
I was a lucky though. My parents were, in the day, rebels. While being taught to acknowledge authority and those that held it, I was encouraged to question and challenge. It was more than just words! From long hair, to motorcycles, and fun with exploding rockets, life was wonderfully open to challenging, questioning, and most of all growing and experiencing. I was indoctrinated with a thirst for more! Among the many things I am indebted to my parents, the longing to see and experience beyond the borders of my life is the one I am most grateful for.
As I look back, to my peers and to myself, it would be good to remember the following.
No generation has an exclusive on living and challenging. Just because we challenged and lived life on the edge, it should not follow that there is no more challenging to do! Each generation is called to share with the openness and hope that the following generation will take things to a higher place that is better for all.
Wisdom is not exclusive to any one community or age group. Young can teach old, the wise can learn from the ignorant, and followers of God have something to share inside and outside of their system of faith. The old mandate applies to everyone that is willing to learn, share, and grow. “Take the news of his glory to the lost, news of his wonders to one and all!” (Psalm 96.3)
Everyone should be forgiven for the mistakes s/he will make. The should is not a mandate, it is a gift we owe to another if only because of our own need for it.
