As each day approaches, we think about what needs to be accomplished and how we are going to make it happen. We have conversations about the person or group of people who can assist in our quest to complete the task or goal. If the task involves moving or lifting, we think of a group of muscular, abled-bodied men. If the task requires wisdom or solid advice, we think of seasoned women. If the task requires laughter, smiles, servanthood, or purity of heart, we think of people within a service organization or church. There is nothing wrong with our way of thinking; however, we often overlook a group of people who possess some outstanding qualities that help in our endeavors: our youth.
We have to be careful not to become jaded by events in our ever-changing world and those things that have become the norm. We must also be mindful not to put the “one size fits all” label on our youth. It’s simply not true.
As an educator, one of the main pieces of advice that I give to young, new, and veteran teachers is that every young person has his or her own personality and gifts. Never assume that if one sibling is troubled, then that means every young person from that family is the same. Take the opportunity to know young people past their academic acuity, but look more at the heart. In the grand scheme, remember that they are young, full of vitality, thoughts, feelings, and ambitions. Underneath it all, they are smart, sympathetic, helpful, loving, and caring. Let us not let perceptions and assumptions allow us to miss opportunities to interact with our youth.
In a recent study of Habakkuk, he cried out to the Lord in 1:2:
How long, O Lord, must I call for help?
But you do not listen!
“Violence is everywhere!” I cry,
but you do not come to save.
His cry can only be understood if we know the history of who Habakkuk is and why he is concerned. Just think that if we were reading the book for the first time, we would not understand Habakkuk’s frustration or why he felt that he had a right to cry out. Doesn’t that remind us of how we size up our youth through our perceptions without knowing the backstory?
In the book, Embracing Joy, by Jean Wilund, the Sunday School class is presented with a scenario: “Imagine you’re seated on a subway train, engrossed in your favorite novel, when a woman’s screams jerk you out of your book. A large man in a three-piece suit careens past you and leaps through the open doors onto the platform, clutching a baby.” Who is this man and what is he doing? Would your opinion and actions change if he was shabbily dressed and looked like a homeless person? What if the noun changed from man to young boy, young girl (or teen)? Would your opinion change? Be honest. This is one of many examples of how our perceptions are dictated by our experiences, culture, age, race, and the world.
Like so many youth, the group in the picture above are often overlooked, devalued, and unappreciated, and at times unseen. Many times our society just ignores their existence or makes the assumption that all teens are the same. It’s as if because they are teens, they have no redeeming qualities.
However, this is a group of young people that got up on a day off from school to gather and help a 92 year-old Vietnam veteran remove an old recliner from his assisted living apartment. They approached their assignment as a calling in which they displayed tenacity and kindness. Using muscle, enthusiasm, a servant’s heart and sheer joy in helping someone else, these young people completed the task without asking for money or questioning what they would get for their generosity and good deed.
Afterwards, they fellowshipped together with a prayer and lunch. They epitomize Hebrews 13:16, “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Sometimes our young people can teach us what is truthful and honoring to the Lord. As each day approaches, let us not overlook our youth or take them for granted. Let us continue to nurture their walk with the Lord and their humble desire to serve.
CrayDawg (c) 2025
Coffee Reflections 