Life in the Gap

We hear a lot about the divisive environment that exists within our country today.  I must admit that sometimes I feel like I am living in the space between those two cultures.  I am a Baby Boomer and fall into the 70+ age group.  I have many friends that age and when I attend a Bible class on Sunday morning I find myself surrounded by folks about the same age.  On the other extreme I am part of the local directors of Christian education cluster.  Most of my fellow DCE’s are either members of Generation X or are Millennials.  My research usually takes me into the world of teens and young adults and in many ways I identify with them and their perspectives. 

Living in the gap between generations provides me an interesting perspective.  I can see the cultural divide from a unique viewpoint.  I also think I can identify with both sides.  Much of the difference when it comes to a generational group can be traced to their experience.  When it comes to the Silent Generation they were greatly impacted by World War II.  Almost everyone was involved in the war effort in some many.  As a result, they are very patriotic and continue to support our country’s military effort.  They also are committed to family and traditional values.  Generation Z (those born since 1999) have some things in common with the Silent Generation.  While they did not experience a war, they have grown up post-911.  That leads them to value security and the close relationships.

Likewise, Baby Boomers (born from 1946-1965) and Millennials (born from 1980-1999) have some things in common.  Both grew up in a time of relative political stability.  They also experienced a major shift in technology.  For Baby Boomers it was television.  For Millennials it was the computer.  In both cases it changed the way we lived and broadened our perspective.  Both television and the computer exposed people to a whole new world.  That world shapes them and who they are. 

For a person who feels like he is living the gap I think I can begin to understand the context that each generation brings.  I have also learned that you cannot compartmentalize people.  There are Baby Boomers who are patriotic and Millennials who value traditional values.  The key to getting along is to learn to respect each other for who we are and to listen to each other.  Only when we seek to understand  each other can we hope to work together to ultimately make a difference.