My family is blessed to have four generations living close together. With ages ranging from two years to 91 years, interests and abilities within our family vary greatly, but we have found that every generation loves hearing stories of personal experiences shared by older generations.
Every few months our family plans a “Generational Gathering” where we share a meal and focus the conversation on a specific topic. We began with my parents sharing about their childhood and how God brought their lives together. At our next gathering they shared many incredible ways He has provided for them—like the time they had empty cupboards with a family to feed and God literally sent a tumbleweed rolling across my Dad’s path with a $20 bill stuck in it! In sharing their experiences of God’s faithfulness, they are leaving a rich legacy to the generations after them.
At subsequent gatherings, topics of conversation have included Christmas memories and traditions, how we each came to trust in Jesus as our Savior, and most recently, Communion—what it represents and why we do it. It was the first time my grandsons shared in Communion, which made it a very special time for all four generations.
What precious blessings these times of sharing have been! A beautiful example is one particular year as we shared around our Thanksgiving table what we were most grateful for, my mother-in-law said, “I am thankful for my salvation and my home in heaven.” What a cherished gift, comfort, and legacy for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, when just 48 hours later she passed from this world to her eternal home with Jesus, her Savior!
My prayer is that you, too, will be inspired to create opportunities in your family gatherings to share what God has done in your lives, and that your family will experience the blessing and bonding that comes from multi-generational mentoring.
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. Psalm 145:3-4
Authored by Amy Gordon