My life has mostly included lots and lots of young people. As a member of a big family and a teacher for 34 years, I was essentially surrounded by children all the time. Lately, however, I've had less contact with children as the family members I'm generally with are older. The young people in our family are busy with a large array of wonderful adventures, relationships, and pursuits.
As I think of this, I am reminded that one good reason for keeping family ties close is to support the youth in your family as well as be uplifted by their full lives and wonderful energy. For example, this weekend, if the weather is good, we'll visit with a large group of young families. I can't wait to see the little children hunt for eggs--I'm looking forward to the joyful energy they'll bring to the event.
Later in early summer, we'll gather with many family members including lots of young adults. I can't wait to see their youthful energy and hear about their many interesting jobs, academic programs, and professional pursuits. To be surrounded by that energy is joyful.
In so many ways, one critical aspect of family life is the opportunity for people of many generations to come together and share the strengths of their stages in life. This melding of perspectives helps to make all of us strong and better if we let it. Planning intergenerational events is one way to make this happen regularly at holidays and via family reunions. I look forward to events like this in the days to come.