Our family has been overjoyed watching the ABC TV program called “Old People’s Home for 4 year olds. The story of a group of 4 year olds and a group of aged care residents joining in a classroom together has caused us to laugh and almost cry. The classmates have learned, cared, explored and encouraged one another. The intergenerational connections were shown to be transformative for most participants. This TV program highlights the gift of relationships across the generations and 2 Timothy 1:1-14 also speaks of the gift of intergenerational relationships.
We as a church are so blessed to have members who are open, prayerful and engaging of different generations around them. This may include our neighbours, local school students, grandchildren or parents and people of different generations passing us in the shops. In the bible passage, Paul encourages Timothy in his faith in Jesus Christ though love, words and prayer. This is a story of two people of different ages that were called by God for his own purpose and grace. What does this intergenerational attitude look like for us today? Is there one person of a different generation that we can intentionally extend Christ Jesus’ grace, mercy and peace through relationship, prayer and words of encouragement?