Bible Verse: Psalms 71:5

For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.

You Were Young Once

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with a group of young people. After much coaxing and prodding they shared with me their fears for the future and how confusing life seems sometimes. I was actually quite troubled by the discussion and it brought back memories of my own youth and quest for answers and acceptance.

We often get very impatient with the young, because they don’t “act right” or “do right” in our opinion. Older adults are accused of it often, but we are very critical and quick to pin teenagers to the wall for their worldly beliefs and obstinacy. In addition, we also take advantage of their “awkward” stage and in the process do some real damage to confidence and self-esteem in our quest to raise our children the “right” way.

I purposely seek out the company of the young, if for no other reason than to remind myself that I am far from perfect, could use some of their sense of humour, and that I was young once too. We need to take the time to remember what it was like for us and share some of the positive experiences of our own youth with the young people around us. Correct them yes, but love them first and show them that they are accepted, valued and important.