“ Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

“Wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding.” Job 12:12

Forever a Tween

Ah, the tween years. You’re not really a little girl, but not quite a teenager. Limbs can seem too long, parts you yearn for aren’t showing up yet, and if you’re really lucky, you can add braces and glasses to the mix! My tween years were truly painful; my parents were divorcing, I was being badly bullied in school, and I was the girl in glasses and braces. To really add insult to injury, I was so tiny, I was forever being mistaken for a grade schooler, rather than a junior high student. Not for anything would I go back to those years.

Fast forward to today. I work with many women. Some of them are young enough to be my daughters (I’m not a mother myself), and some are old enough to be my mother or older sister. I love hanging out with the younger ones. We have many of the same interests, particularly in music. They keep me hip to what’s current in the world. I love hanging out with the older ones. I try to glean from their wisdom, and since I lost my mother at a young age, I never mind being mothered by them. What I really love, though, is when we are all together. Recently, we all had lunch together, and I realized that I am still a tween! Only this time, I am loving it! I love this diverse group of women who all bring something to the table.

We need this diversity in our lives. There is too much going on in our world, where young and old alike have no use for the other, especially in church. The youth want relevance, and the elders want reverence. The truth is, there is room for both, and both are needed.  It’s a dangerous thing to think that only your kind is important. Can you imagine a church service where everyone was exactly like you? I for one would not enjoy that one bit! 

So, here’s a challenge. Surround yourself with those who will make you a tween. There will pretty much always be those who are younger and those who are older than you. I daresay you’re going to love it!

“Father, thank You that no matter where we are in life, we have something to offer. Bring to us those who could gain from what we have learned, and may we always be teachable. Above all, may we bring You glory ‘til the end of our days. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”