HIGHER ROADS

Dear Millennials,

I’m 74 and a lot of people of my generation have a poor opinion of you. I have grandchildren your age, and you were my students in years past, so I know you well and want you to know I do not share their judgments. In fact, I feel strongly that your generation has a unique opportunity, and a unique set of strengths, to lead the world into a vast and welcome future. Whether you do or not is an open question, but I want you to hear loud and clear that I believe in you. Whatever else you take from what I write, I hope you find hope and inspiration in it.

I absolutely disagree with the stereotype that your generation is lazy, has “failed to launch”, and other silly and shallow descriptions. Still, it is true that people born in certain periods share the history, culture, attitudes, and general experiences of their times. But let’s take that reality a little deeper than we usually do. I don’t believe the timing of your birth is an accident. I believe there is a depth of reality that goes far beyond what most of us currently understand, and that includes being born at a chosen time, with a certain set of profound purposes and opportunities. Those will unfold during your lifetime, and if you’re paying attention, your personal part of your generation’s story will become apparent as you age and mature.

If you can accept the part you have to play in this deeper story you will find overwhelming light and love there, a light that will threaten some and attract others. I don’t know what critical mass for success would be, but imagine an army of light-bearers challenging and changing the ancient darkness of hate, bigotry, greed and all the other ills of this worn and weary world. Quite a tall order, but I have no doubt your hearts are big enough, and your spirits strong and bright enough to take it on. I think the beginning of Regina Spektor’s song,

“The Call” sums up what I’m saying pretty well:

It started out as a feeling

Which then grew into a hope

Which then turned into a quiet thought

Which turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder

‘Til it was a battle cry

I’ll come back

When you call me

No need to say goodbye…

So there it is, a hope and a challenge. I hear the first notes of the battle cry. Do you?

With love, Grandpa Dave