Score: 10 - 0 (How to win, even when you lose : >)
It’s a humbling thing, when your youngest son beats you. Ten consecutive sets.
It started out innocently enough. . .
Josh: “Mom, get the phone app ‘Word Crack’. It’s like Boggle. I know you like word games right? We can play against each other.”
So we began that evening. He wins the first set. (3 games)
Me: “Wait!!! Give me a break! I’m just warming up!”
He wins the second set. (That makes 6 games)
Me: “It’s Philip! He’s distracting me!”
He wins the third set. (9 games)
Me: “Hmmphh!!! No more Mr. Nice Guy! I’m going to win this round!!!”
He wins the fourth, fifth, sixth set. . .
Midnight found me still furiously trying to beat him.
He wins the eight, ninth, tenth set . . .
I ended up pulverized.
How is it possible that the kid who once learned the ABC’s from you ends up winning every word game???
When your kids are little, they think you are the smartest person in the world. They think you have all the answers. I knew my days were numbered when math homework exposed my feet of clay: mom doesn’t know her algebra!!
Reminds me of the time our anonymous pastor friend got locked out of his own home’s wifi access because his teenage daughter, whom he just grounded, was way more techie than he was :D Haha!
So what should the older generation do as a new generation arises, with new skills and amazing potential?
Here are some secrets that I’m learning from Jesus:
Stay Grounded. Don’t get insecure.
Secret # 1: Keep your focus on doing the will of the Lord, regardless of your age.
Youth is not the most valuable stage in life. Neither is your PhD stage.
Every stage is valuable from fetus to grey hair to no hair. I find it disconcerting when parents try to dress up like teenagers despite the addition of pounds, cellulite and wrinkles. Or when pride sets in, and popularity becomes a contest. Or when fear creeps in, and parents are so afraid of disciplining their children so they just become “buddies” instead of authority figures.
Whether it’s the popular thing or not, we are all commanded to obey God and do His WILL, just as Jesus did:
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 6: 38)
Secret # 2: Be teachable, so you can teach what’s worth learning.
Sure you’re an adult, but does God still see you as his teachable child?
“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.” (Proverb 9: 9)
This proverb has no age limit. We all have the potential to grow wiser if we stay teachable.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness . . .” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Some things are worth learning, some things are not. Be a blessing to those you mentor by giving them truths more than trends. Help the younger generation keep a respect and appreciation for the Word of God.
Secret # 3: Have a Generous Spirit. Be an Encourager.
An encourager is a life-giver. There’s no better example than Jesus. Listen to him in John 14:12:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (ESV)
Let’s try another version:
“Truly, I tell all of you emphatically, the one who believes in me will also do what I'm doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I'm going to the Father." (ISV)
Is Jesus talking about you and me? How could I, in all my imperfections, “do even greater works” than Him?? How is that even possible??? But they are Jesus’ words, uttered before he left earth.
What an empowering vote of confidence He leaves us with! What a wonderful legacy to pass on, as well!
To say to the next generation: “You matter to God!”, “You can do it!”, “You will be better than me!”, “You will be a blessing!”, “You can impact the world for good!”
What a privilege to inspire those we mentor, and declare that God’s Spirit will remain with them even when we are gone:
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
(John 14: 26)
It’s funny how losing 10 sets of Word Crack brought out these thoughts in me and taught me more secrets to share. Haha!
Lord, my son is amazing! But can I win some rounds please?
See you next Thursday! : >
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