The Tribune

By REV ANGELA PALACIOUS IF WE want our young people to trust us and follow our best examples, then we have to find a way to make a connection with them. Together, we can dream of a great future for our people, and work to accomplish and maintain it by the grace of God. Let us consider the adults in our lives when we were young. How many of us are satisfied with the way that we were trained, groomed, nurtured and disciplined? How many of us would want the very same process for our young people today? If we say yes, then we have to work hard to preserve the past in a language that will relate to current trends. If we say no, then we have to consider what needs changing and what the replacement should be. How many of us are happy with what we see around us as attitudes and actions that are in vogue. How far have our youth progressed beyond us when we were their ages? How have they regressed and require assistance to obtain higher standards? In order to make the necessary connection with children and teens, we have to connect with them from an early age, or begin to do so as soon as possible. The following are ways for us to do just that: 1. Spend time with them in order to establish a closer relationship. What do they enjoy doing that can be done together? Perhaps an art project, a meal, some community service, or an outing to the beach, museum or a one of the local fairs. 2. Listen to their hearts as they share their struggles and triumphs. Their issues are very real for them and should not be summarily dismissed. Make helpful suggestions and offer to pray with them so that they make seek God's will for themselves. Depending on their age and stage of maturity, it may be wise to give them as much free rein in the discernment process as possible. 3. Share our experiences (briefly) which may allow them to recognise that some situations are common to each generation, even as we acknowledge that some pressures are very different. 4. Set a very good example even if we do not expect them to be around, be willing to accept constructive criticism of our faults and be willing to change as appropriate. It does not hurt to examine our own consciences to see where their respectful speaking the truth in love is a definite word from the Lord. 5. Praise them when they do well and encourage them to do better when they fail or fall. There should be gentle or firm correction but no abuse of any kind. This level of connection should be happening in our homes and youth organisations. As we build trust and foster respect, we are preparing the way for future generations to live godly lives. If we are too busy "getting ahead" can we wonder at the rate at which some are being left behind?