The conversations with my college kids sounded differently this week. With one at home and two out of state, I feel fortunate that they communicate in some form several times a week. There are a lot of other things beckoning their time and attention. I have been a young adult (though it’s hard for them to recognize that sometimes) so I remember. But, recently, the topics were not all about school and activities and random funny things on Reddit. My kids talked about the events unfolding in Ukraine. In fact, extra phone calls about updates heard from news sources changed our rhythm.
Our big kids are scared.
I see a lot of posts about talking to our young children about political unrest, the pandemic, and other worldly events in the bigger narrative of our world. These conversations are important because the unknown and violence cause fear. Hearts race, emotions manifest in a variety of ways and we want resolution, the quicker the better. Young adults are already dealing with the unknowns of their own smaller narratives. Trying to navigate through those realities while figuring out the implications of the bigger one can feel overwhelming.
Our big kids are scared.
So let’s let them know adulting involves encountering lots of unknowns. Listen to their concerns. Recognize that our world is indeed a broken place. But it’s ok to hold space for two things at once: Pain for the reality of a world aching toward restoration and hope in a God who is mysterious but still on the throne. And somewhere in the midst, remind them that we are called to partner with Jesus in infusing the broken with his goodness. However that looks.
Our big kids are scared but they do not need to carry their fear alone. Jesus is walking with them. And so are we.
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