Life Lessons for the Next Generation (cont.)
4. Scars are just tattoos with better stories.
Life leaves wounds, and sometimes they’re beyond our control. Other times, people hurt us, stabbing us deeply when they should have loved us. Some of our decisions are irreversible. The result is always a gaping, oozing sore. We need to ask, “Do we want healing?”
Our attention can be solely on the unfairness of the lesion. Forgiveness isn’t giving the offense absolution. Instead, it’s the understanding that no one can be effective if they’re trying to ignore a bullet hole in the leg. Forgiveness recognizes that bitterness causes separation in our relationship with God. Forgiveness is something we choose, and the feeling follows.
Our wounds do leave scars. But when we let the Lord heal them, then we can learn to embrace them. We’re no longer the walking wounded but people who aren’t afraid of the tale of our scars.
5. Don’t lose your zeal.
We tend to feed the mentality that all teens rebel. You think that when they “grow up,” then they’ll live fully for Christ. The other side of this? We can teach kids that at some point they should be less excited and passionate about Christ. Today is the day called for salvation. Today is the day the Lord wants you to be fully His so He can use you fully.
Does rebellion happen? Yes, we have free will. Should we expect it? No. Let’s teach this generation they don’t have to be complacent. They can be a light that draws in the world, no matter the age.
To sum up my life lessons for the next generation, I’d say, “Live without regret.” If we can look back with as few cringing moments as possible, it will all be worth it.
Most of all, I want young people to understand they’re more powerful than they know. Now I stand with that same smile of knowing, as I remind teens they have the full potential to put my faith to shame.
