A Summary
I am fifty-one years old. My husband has been ministering in the same church here in NNY since 1980. I've seen untold numbers of people come and go, especially college students who are with us for a few years and move on. Many times we have the distinct privilege of seeing them receive the Lord and begin their life in Him. As new babes, they look to us for feeding and guidance. Much foundation building takes place in those critical first years. It is an exciting opportunity.
Today two such "once upon a time" students returned to minister to us. It has been years since the church last saw them so their faces were new to many, and definitely unfamiliar to our current college students. They shared their testimony of early years here at CFC as students on a local campus, referring regularly to the 1980's and early 1990's -- dates disclosing their generation. Even so, I could feel the students in our midst begin to connect. "Wow -- they were where we are now. In twenty years it could be me coming back to this place, sharing a similar testimony, feeling an ongoing sense of home and belonging and welcome. This is cool!"
In a very real way, these returning old friends are a part of these new students. In fact, they are a part of us all here at CFC, whether we knew them before or not. We are somehow still connected.
That is a God-thing. That is generational building. We are all stronger for it. We are all enlarged because of it. We belong to something bigger than just those of us here today.
In the recent days and months I have become aware of a young army being raised up -- it is big and it is powerful. But it is totally related to the older generation in our midst, gleaning wisdom and stability and a sense of strength. We (I'm in that older category, in case you forgot) borrow their energy and enthusiasm.
As I sat in the congregation today, I could sense the excitement released amongst our current students -- they were being catapulted ahead in time and they liked what they saw. A capsulized picture of generational building was presented in a tangible way and it was good.
It was "real good".
Today two such "once upon a time" students returned to minister to us. It has been years since the church last saw them so their faces were new to many, and definitely unfamiliar to our current college students. They shared their testimony of early years here at CFC as students on a local campus, referring regularly to the 1980's and early 1990's -- dates disclosing their generation. Even so, I could feel the students in our midst begin to connect. "Wow -- they were where we are now. In twenty years it could be me coming back to this place, sharing a similar testimony, feeling an ongoing sense of home and belonging and welcome. This is cool!"
In a very real way, these returning old friends are a part of these new students. In fact, they are a part of us all here at CFC, whether we knew them before or not. We are somehow still connected.
That is a God-thing. That is generational building. We are all stronger for it. We are all enlarged because of it. We belong to something bigger than just those of us here today.
In the recent days and months I have become aware of a young army being raised up -- it is big and it is powerful. But it is totally related to the older generation in our midst, gleaning wisdom and stability and a sense of strength. We (I'm in that older category, in case you forgot) borrow their energy and enthusiasm.
As I sat in the congregation today, I could sense the excitement released amongst our current students -- they were being catapulted ahead in time and they liked what they saw. A capsulized picture of generational building was presented in a tangible way and it was good.
It was "real good".
posted by Darlene Sinclair at
10:29 PM
5 Comments:
Congratulations, again Gram! What a blessing from God, truly. The other day as I sat watching the builders work on our addition, I came to realize what a great thing was happening. Not only am I getting MORE living space (which is nice) but the guys doing it are old friends of the Criscitello's. A father and son who both really love the Lord! Watching them work together and love the Lord together (along with my children) has really made an impact on me. This must be what others mean when they comment on Eric and his Dad working together. A partnership banging nails for the Lord. Ministering to all they build for. As I sat pondering that day it also crossed my mind "Hey, Mrs. Sinclair would LOVE this!" Not to mention the fact that they show up at 7 am (rain, shine, whatever) and work through until 5 or 6 everyday! A great example for our children who don't often hear adults being thankful for hard work! So- you'd be pleased. And I'm pleased. And you'd be pleased with me 'cuz I'm growing leaps and bounds each day! Love to your wonderful family!
hey mama.
i'm here at the etzel's, have slept for quite awhile already, and am trying to wrap my mind around the fact that i'm in germany!
love you lots.
let daddy know that i've emailed him.
I know you have thousands of things going on over there, but I just thought I'd let you know that we now have fresh POX popping up all over cute little bodies! If there is anything I can do to assist, let me know!
I wish I could have been there to hear from Eugene and Joy. I saw they were going to be around. Maybe later.
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