The Greatest Hope

I’m a Star Wars fan.

As a young girl, I totally geeked-out over space ships, lightsabers, and my Princess Leia paper doll. My favorite characters are Yoda and Obi-Wan. Their composed inner strength, wise counsel, and ability to guide the next generation to a better way of being win me over every time. Committed to developing those who will become their legacy, they make it possible for hope to awaken. Plus, them ol’ boys got some kick-*ss lightsaber skills.

As Obi-Wan explains to a young Luke Skywalker, The Force is an energy that surrounds us, an energy that lives within us, an energy that binds us together.

Hope is an energy. Hope is a force. Hope is a connection to something greater than ourselves. And when awoken, hope is the essence which gives birth to a more blessed future.

Deep within you hope lives, yes?

Over the past few years, I’ve witnessed friends become grandparents. Patiently, quietly excited, they look forward to the moment. And when able to officially bear the title, they bask in the glow, radiating pride, surprised at the amount of love their hearts can hold.

I can only imagine what it’s like meeting a grandchild for the first time, holding the blanket-bundle in your arms and carefully lifting the edge of the cloth, like pulling back a tuft of grass protecting the opening of a bunny nest. A pastel-colored stocking cap perched atop a fuzzy head evoking warmth and gentleness. From the blanket-bundle, a tiny, precious life emerges with brilliant, bright eyes, soft skin, and wiggly cuteness. One can only marvel at the sight of such a lovely creature so full of promise, who holds the history of generations past in the palm of one small hand, and hope for things yet-to-be in the other.

I’ve been told that becoming a grandparent is a different feeling than becoming a parent. The pride, joy, and love, as well as the caution and concern a grandparent feels seem to have an aged quality, like whiskey that’s been seasoned 30 years in an oak cask. A mellow wisdom that can only be gained through years of experiencing and absorbing all the salty and sweet flavors life offers up.

When I ask about the feeling of becoming a grandparent, most chuckle as they say it’s great because there’s so much love, and none of the responsibility. I wonder at this because those who say it are always such responsible people. Which makes me think, perhaps when one becomes a grandparent the responsibility doesn’t really go away. Instead, the focus shifts from tending to the tangible – like food needs, education, and paying the bills – to making time for the intangible. Simply being present and loving the kiddos for who they are and, in turn, teaching them how to love. Guiding and supporting in a physically and emotionally safe environment so they may develop into their true, authentic selves, free to create their own brand of magic. My grandparents made time to build a meaningful relationship with me, which included an equal measure of laughter and well-timed advice. And, I truly hope you have, or have had, someone like this in your life, too. Because when someone takes time to truly “see” you and your potential, love you for it, and walk with you on life’s path, the long-reaching positive impact is quite remarkable.

Risking running amok with a famous newscaster who wrote an equally famous book about the World War 2 generation, my faith and belief tell me that *the* greatest generation will always be the next generation. No doubt, previous generations deserve our respect and appreciation for their commitment to freedom, liberty, and progress. And on the other side of the scale, the next generation, awaiting like the dawn sitting on the horizon, is vitally important. They are essential for not only our survival as a species but, more important, for our hope in a future that promises to be more secure, more vibrant, more blessed.  Like Moses in a basket of reeds, like Jesus in a manger, a child heralds new hope, calling us to a new way of being, a new purpose. Profoundly awakening and inspiring us to something new happening around, within, and between, deepening our connection to one anther.

The next generation is hope among us. And, is best served when fortified by someone who makes a promise to it.

You don’t need to be a grandparent to make this promise. Heck… you don’t even need to own a lightsaber. You do, however, need to purposely engage with the future.

Taking responsibility to prepare the next generation for a future yet-to-be awakens hope, and empowers and develops those who will walk into that future. Regardless of whether the next generation is a young child innocently gazing into a foggy cloud containing their destiny, or an adult child asking questions in order to clarify the next chapter of a succession plan, guiding the next generation to a better way of being requires vision, intention, and preparation. It also requires genuine connection to yourself and others, tapping into and flowing with the life force that lives around, within, and between, in order to bind together and preserve who and what really matter, as well as cut out that which doesn’t belong nor serve the higher purpose anymore. In other words, taking responsibility for creating a future where hope can flourish requires having the courage to love so deeply that you are driven to make hard decisions, and compelled to stand up for something bigger than just yourself.

What promise do you make to prepare the next generation to be more secure, and more empowered to create a vibrant, blessed future? 

Awaken hope. Build a legacy that enriches and empowers.

——

Patti Guenther.  A student and facilitator of healing communication because I believe people are worth the risk. I write about what inspires me because I believe that well-told stories are capable of creating positive impact.

© 2019 Patricia S Guenther All rights reserved. 515-341-2916 http://www.pattiguenther.com