Dear friends in Christ,

Recently, there was a headline on the front page of the Times-Union that said, “Happiness = family time, say the youth of America”. Did you see that one? Wow, it caught my attention!

Those of us who are parents – especially of youth (this article describes “youth” as 13-24) – are very familiar with the feeling that anything having to do with us – or almost any “adult” - is so totally uncool, that our children would rather be boiled alive than caught being with us. And the idea that they could actually be “happy” with us? No way!

Well, as it turns out, that’s not exactly how they feel. Now, who knows exactly what “happiness” is – probably different things to different people, but the gist of the article for me was that youth very much respect and admire and trust their parents. They know that they are safe with them (mostly, anyway) and they are loved by them (again, mostly).

I bring this up – not just because I am grateful at the prospect of my children respecting and admiring Kammy and me, but mainly because it points to the fact that many people – not just our children – look up to us. We Christians have people looking at us all the time watching for how we live our lives and how we treat other people and what the priorities are in our lives.

I’m not talking about being judgmental, I’m talking about youth and other people looking for role models and mentors who are dependable, trustworthy, and worthy of being respected. Friends – that’s us! That’s you and me!

In her sermon recently Kimberly talked about “scary Jesus”, and she said that for people to see Jesus in the world today, they must look at us (and how scary that is!). And that in our brokenness, we’re expected to somehow be the face and hands of Jesus. We don’t have to be perfect (thank God!), we just have to be real, and strive to model the kinds of life and behavior that we want our children to adopt.

I remember a prayer by a young man with a young son. It was something like, “Lord, I want to be like you, because he wants to be like me.” Wow – talk about an opportunity! Whether or not you have children, and whether or not you consider yourself someone who serves as a role model for anyone, please do remember that – in fact, somehow we’re expected to be the face and hands of Jesus. And be thankful!

Peace in Christ,
George+