Seven kids ages 3 to 9 were having fun playing with bicycles, big wheels, toy guns, a sand box, a basketball and goal, and their imaginations in the cul-de-sac and front yard facing Jenetta’s house. They laughed, shouted, argued, fell, got up, ran, sat down, rode, shot, and made any number of happy noises as the “older people” sat on her front porch and watched.

Jenetta is my sister’s mother-in-law and member of my home church. My mom and two nieces with their families live in the same neighborhood. The kids playing were their kids and our grandson, Liam. Among the older folks on the porch were Jenetta and my mom, one in her 80s and the other soon to be 76. Both are widows. There were three generations on that porch, with the fourth generation playing and having fun.

Watching their great-grandkids play while they sat and watched was a vivid reminder that life goes on. We get older and a new generation grows up. It’s been this way since God created this beautiful world we call home. A big part of our job while here on earth is doing all we can to prepare the younger generations for the future God has for them.

That is true in our families and it is equally true in the church. One of my fears is that we often allow our personal fears as we age to get in the way of our fulfilling that duty.

Yet I have to say it was a joy to watch those young kids having fun. I was happy that my grandson was happy. Should it not be the same in our churches?

Pastor Steve Hogg