I miss summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I know. It\u2019s still summer, but it doesn\u2019t feel<\/em> like summer\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n I miss baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Although in all transparency, I can\u2019t tell you the last time I\u2019ve eaten a hot dog, and I\u2019ve long loved my Honda Pilot\u2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2020 has been an odd year. Summer has been totally different. The best laid plans\u2026 well, let\u2019s just say, we\u2019re not totally in control. It\u2019s made me wonder what years and seasons past generations have labeled \u201codd\u201d\u2026 World War I, World War II, the depression\u2026 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I think that\u2019s one of the challenges of our current day scenario. Sometimes we look at other generations and simply judge them. Let\u2019s be honest; it\u2019s easy to do\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those who\u2019ve gone before us were so naive; they didn\u2019t do anything!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The younger generation is out of control!!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And millennials\u2026 don\u2019t get me started!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And just like that, from each of our nothing-but-limited perspectives, we judge them. We focus on what\u2019s wrong with others. We negate the value of critical thinking and varied experience, and then we omit the necessary discernment vital to evaluating every season and stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I loved reading former ESPN college play-by-play announcer, Chuck Underwood\u2019s The Generation Imperative<\/em> a year ago. In his insightful work, Underwood dives into the formative years of each generation and \u201cthe core values that were molded from the unique times and teachings that each generation absorbed in their youth, their adulthood passages, current lifestage, and, future.\u201d It\u2019s not that one generation is wiser than another. Each has its strengths. And each has its blind spots. And so yesterday, on a day that didn\u2019t feel <\/em>like summer nor a typical Independence Day \u2014 even with the aerial pomp and circumstance \u2014 I found myself pondering much\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2026 thankful\u2026<\/em><\/strong> for all the generations that have been key to current day\u2026 for those whose conviction has been evident in their behavior\u2026 some via current peaceful protest\u2026 others via former military conflict, willing to put their life on the line\u2026 We learn from each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2026 grateful\u2026 <\/em><\/strong>even in trying times\u2014 for the liberty this country affords like no other\u2026 Let me be very clear: American liberty is unprecedented. There\u2019s a reason the tired and poor come here. There\u2019s a reason this is where the huddled masses yearn to breathe free. Are we perfect? Of course not. Can we always improve? Of course so. But let us never tire of our declaration of independence. We are a people that for 244 years have professed that each of us \u2014 no matter color or creed \u2014 are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable Rights. We haven\u2019t always embraced those rights for all people. We still don\u2019t. And that\u2019s not just about race. We can do better in honoring all lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2026 and questioning\u2026<\/em><\/strong> Indeed, I still have questions\u2026 sincerely, of course\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s the difference between the indisputable fact that black lives matter and the political movement? I can\u2019t tell how pure and democratic all aspects of the political movement are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How is social media impeding dialogue?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can we \u2014 should we \u2014 mandate the mask?<\/p>\n\n\n\n How are different generations responding? Can we learn from \u2014 and respect \u2014 them all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What am I missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just pondering, friends, on a restful but unusual Fourth. May we listen well and be a blessing to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR I miss summer. I know. It\u2019s still summer, but it doesn\u2019t feel like summer\u2026 I miss baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet! (Although in all transparency, I can\u2019t tell you the last time I\u2019ve eaten a hot dog, and I\u2019ve long loved my Honda Pilot\u2026) 2020 has been an odd year. Summer has been … <\/p>\n
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\nOne generation shapes another \u2014 albeit often in ways unintentionally so. We, also, if willing and humble enough, have opportunity to learn from another age group \u2014 older and younger. To simply be critical \u2014 praising one generation but denigrating another \u2014 omits significant, available wisdom and discernment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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