Just the other day I shared my passion to write and speak when someone challenged me, “You’re only thirty-two. You’re just a kid.”
He’s right. Those are valid concerns that I ponder often; real fears that I face everyday.
What fears are you facing?
If we don’t face our fears, they will derail our dreams.
As I thought more about my fears, I read the results from a recent survey of my readership. One word stood out: perspective.
I saw the two collide.
Turn your Weakness into Strength
To face down my fears, I took the obvious, you’re too young, and I analyzed it from a new point of view.
Born in 1981, I’m on the tail end of Generation X, but many of my peers are Millennials. However, most of the clients I’ve worked with over the past ten years are Baby Boomers, as are my parents and their friends. Additionally, I am fortunate to have had very close relationships with both grandfathers who represented the Greatest Generation.
So, maybe I am young, but here I am, wedged among all these generations, feeling like I don’t really belong to any of them, although I can relate to all of them; a generational anomaly.
Then, I looked for a problem. I see a chasm between these generations. Problems at home, in the workplace, and at church are all a direct result of this generational gap.
Through conversations and the experience of others, I see similar stories and dialogue that weave a common thread. Maybe my purpose is to bring perspective from both, to both–to bridge the gap between generations.
Here’s the thing, the same person above, the one who questioned my legitimacy, later in the conversation said, “I really wish you would talk to my kids about this.” He was saying, I don’t want you to be the answer guy, I’m not looking for answers from you, but I will listen to your perspective.
Here’s what it taught me:
Perspective has no generation. Wisdom is timeless. click to tweet
So often we’re looking for answers to our questions–solutions to our problems–but maybe answers and solutions aren’t what we need. Maybe my readers were right, maybe the key to unlocking our fears and challenges is that word: perspective.
We All Need Perspective
Perspective is the catalyst to real life change. It brings freedom. It yields true life.
Paul penned divine words to the people of Rome when he said:
“Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Our transformation happens when we begin to renew our mind; a new perspective. This is where a rich life begins.
But we can’t do this alone. We need each other. Our stories, our involvement, our experience, our wisdom fuels perspective for everyone else. When we experience the stories of others, a dose of their perspective, we grow. The great C. S. Lewis said it best:
I become a thousand men and yet remain myself…I see with a myriad of eyes, but it is still I who see…I transcend myself; and am never more myself than when I do.
In a way, we are all anomalies, uniquely created for great and rich purposes. Don’t let someone else define who you are. God has defined you in His image. Ask Him to reveal who that is and don’t be afraid to follow.
But sometimes, your clear view becomes clouded; you see only in part.
Take heart, clarity is waiting.
It just takes perspective.
MH
Always!! Every chance I get! If I feel overwhelmed I stop and look at it differently and realize it either can be better, it will be over soon or help is on the way.
And, I appreciate that perspective! Do you have something you tell yourself, Steven? How do you bring that perspective?
I tell myself to be grateful. I sometimes say, “Isn’t that interesting.”
It’s different for all of the situations I face.
The key is turning that perspective from a negative to a positive. I’m not the best at it but I’m trying….
Perspective? I’m always looking for it. And if you’re too young, why do I keep bumping up against “you’re too old”? Mostly I hear that in my head, but people tell me it’s too late to change my career. We are 10 years apart. How about we do what God is calling us to. Now. At this time. In this place.
Amen, Rick. Follow. We all bring perspective, friend. You know that.
I was close to writing a blog post about the same topic today because I have been encountering this statement quite a bit lately and honestly it started bothering me. (then my son wanted my attention so I didn’t :)). I believe “calling” doesn’t have an age. You can be wise and knowledgeable when you are in your 30s and you can be a fool when you are in your 50s (and vice versa). I think, especially when it comes from “older” generations, often it speaks more to what they wish they would have had the gut to do when they were our age what we are doing now. With your post you gave it some great perspective. Thank you.
I love that Isabel, you can be wise and in your 30s or be a fool in your 50s. Thanks for adding that value.
I’m 67, and I wish I had started my blog when I was 32. I’m at the point where I wonder if I still have time to write full time. Not able to retire yet and I don’t have the energy I once had. Please ignore any comments about being too young. Don’t wait. Keep going.
Stan, I may quote you on this! Thank you for being here. Love the encouragement for ALL of us!
If you study history you will find that despite the change of time, our problems really never change. We just keep repeating them over and over.
I will turn 50 in December. The majority of the bloggers I read are much younger than me. I need a younger perspective – their passion, their vision, their creativity.
At the end of the day we really do need each other.
Yes we do, Jon. So glad you’re willing to admit that. I really think this generational gap can be bridged with perspective and shared wisdom.
I love this! And I think grace and perspective go hand in hand. The more I’ve learned to give myself grace, I can extend grace to others. This gives me a new perspective of the world around me and in turn, I start to see the world through others eyes and ultimately through God’s eyes.
And as far as the age stuff goes. I’ve never let it stop me from doing what I need to do. There are plenty of people, younger than me, with much more wisdom. Likewise, there are people much older than me who haven’t got a clue! 😉 I have to take the responsibilities that God has given me and be a good steward of them. It would be wasteful to think I should wait until I’m older.
Ahhh, grace. Every time I hear that word, it’s refreshing. That’s why we don’t need to wait. His grace covers us.
God has a pretty good track record of using people regardless of age. Some people live their entire life & have none or little wisdom to share. Others much younger can be wiser beyond their years. Age is a number. It is not something to hold us back.
You are not too young to do this & I am not too old to aspire to be a full time writer.
Amen, Billy. Look at David then look at Abraham. A teenager and a hundred year old man, both fulfilling God’s purposes.
C’mon, Man! This is good stuff! Great job.
I’m very grateful for people that continue to challenge me with my writing. iron sharpens iron.
As I read this, I have just returned from a trip to Amsterdam and a visit to Anne Frank’s house. Need I say more. It was a powerful reminder that you can make an incredible impact on the world at any age. So go ahead and keep sharing your wisdom and making a difference. We appreciate it.
Skip –
What an honor to have you stop by and share your encouragement. Thank you so much.
I can’t imagine how impactful it must have been to visit the Annex. I’ve always been enthralled by her story, especially how it was portrayed in Andy Andrews, The Traveler’s Gift.
It’s interesting that the post above was written shortly after a branding/strat planning session preparing for my book release. Now, as I am receiving early reviews back, there is renewed confidence, with a gentle dose of humility.
Skip, thank you again. Very grateful for your leadership.