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Generations of hands

As Time Goes By

Jul 5, 2016

Remember the song As Time Goes By? It gives us a glimpse of what the generation gap looked like back in 1930s and 40s. Back then, Einstein’s theories challenged the way we viewed the universe; technology was skyrocketing, and new inventions changed the way we live; and little did anyone know that the popular Big Band music was about to give into the new sounds of Rock-n-Roll. The generation gap has been with us since the dawn of time. Yet, As Time Goes By provides a beautiful solution to accepting the changes that time brings, and helps us to bridge this gap.

Change is difficult. Often we would rather keep things the way they’ve always been. Yet, as time goes on, we find ourselves needing to learn to adapt to new ways. My children love to kid me about my inability to watch something on TV.  I remember when TV was simple. You turn it on and then rotate the dial to the desired channel. Now I have to navigate through three remote control devices just to watch a favorite show. We all face the frustration of learning something new.

Yet when we try to adapt to change, frustrations turn to triumph. But far greater is the reward when we challenge ourselves to try to understand and listen to the younger up-and-coming generations. Believe it or not, the younger set yearns for your understanding. Understanding is a beautiful part of loving others. It’s a good place to start. You may not agree with their new way of living, but taking the time to listen and understand people of all generations is the foundation of loving relationships. The younger generation needs to know how you were able to weather through life’s challenges. They need to see your examples and rich heritage. By doing so, you give them a foundation to build their lives.

What’s the lesson learned in the song As Time Goes By? Simply put, its love. Love is way to connect generations. Love, encouragement and understanding brings us together better than anything else.

My mother taught me from a child how important it was to befriend generations older than myself.  Those lessons I learned as a child have inspired me to strive in life. Now, I’ll probably always have trouble understanding the latest technical gadgets and such, but I can always strive to understand others and live a young-spirited, enriched life.

Written by Chaplain Lane Skoglund