Fellowship of Generations

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quilt Encouragement

Fellowship of Generations

 

This picture shows Grandma and Grandson sharing the delight of making music. They enjoyed the pleasure of sharing tips, and experienced the joy which results from seeing an interest pass on from one generation to another. Such moments warm the heart and are worthy of storing in our special memory bank as well as immortalizing with a snapshot. The principle of sharing interests works both ways. Teaching our youngsters to take an interest in what is important to the older generation develops a marvelous characteristic of empathy which benefits both generations. For the younger people to show an older person they care about what they think and do expands the younger one’s viewpoint. For the older generation to be patient and interested in the thoughts and talents of the younger generation keeps the doors of communications open and expands their elders’ vision into the future.

 

When we learn to take an interest in what other people care about, our character matures while self-centeredness shrinks. Most of us are born with a self-preservation instinct, but it behooves us to prevent that instinct from diminishing our relationships with others. By nourishing our ability to consider someone else above ourselves, we will find our relationships increase in happiness. How do we put another before ourselves? Prayerfully! Jesus on the cross is our example to remember. God, give us patience with one another and a genuine interest and respect for others, regardless of age.