"Do not rebuke an older man harshly,
but exhort him as if he were your father.
Treat younger men as brothers,
older women as mothers,
and younger women as sisters...."

~ 1 Timothy 5:1-2

Forever Young

Eighteen years ago, almost to the day, I accepted a job to become the newest teaching assistant at Grace Garden, a fledgling preschool close to my Brentwood home. I had spent the previous year on maternity leave from my job as a public school kindergarten teacher and was feeling ready to be back in the classroom, so this job felt like a perfect fit. At just over a year old, my son was still a bit young for the preschool's enrollment age, but we were a package deal, so space was made for him. We both started school at Grace Garden the week after Thanksgiving that year, and the rest is history. 

When I think back on these past years at Saint John's, so many of them have been experienced from within the lens of preschool life – stepping out of comfort zones, learning new routines, making new friends, collaborating, circle times and snacks times, times for play and times for quiet learning. But after 16 years, I finally “graduated” from Grace Garden and my more recent work at the church has felt decidedly more “grown up.” In addition to my communications role on staff, for almost a year now, I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of serving as the staff liaison for the JOY Senior Adult Ministry group here at Saint John’s.

There's something very cute but also very profound in the acronym for our group. JOY is, indeed, joyful in many ways; however, it’s the fact that it stands for "Just Older Youth” that really strikes me. It turns out that all of those truisms of preschool life aren't just for preschool! When we open ourselves to new experiences, we continue to grow. When we interact with people who have different viewpoints and lived experiences, we learn more about what it means to be human. When we feel safe in community with each other, sharing a simple meal feels like a celebration. 

I love being a part of JOY because it makes me feel a strong sense of connection across the generations at Saint John's. No matter our age, we are all learners. We are all growers. We are all fed by trying new things and made rich by connection. I am grateful for this group of adventurers and glad to call them friends. What an absolutely joyful thing!