Give some thought to how God will use this trip to minister intergenerationally. Racers have things they would like to share with their parents. And parents may feel they have grown in their own journey. There may be a new openness to receive from each other. We are praying that God will stretch everyone on the trip. There are several ways we facilitate the intergenerational connection:
Doing ministry together
Doing life together - worship, meals, etc.
Encouraging you to be intentional during unstructured Parent/Racer Time
There is great benefit in writing a blessing and not just speaking it. It gives you the chance to prepare your thoughts and make sure you say everything you want to say. It does not mean you can’t then read it to them when you are together. Depending on your family situation, you may want to write one to the parent who could not come to the field. There will be a time set aside during the trip to do this. If you are not sure where to start, read below for suggestions on how to write a blessing to your parent(s).
There will be a time during the PVT when you will be able to bless your parent(s) with this letter of blessing. This general outline is intended to give you some ideas and to help you write your blessing. You do not have to write a book or a two page essay, just speak some words from your heart. What you write to your parent(s) is up to you, the main thing is to share with them honestly.
Introduction: Set the context / describe what this rite of passage means. Most western cultures lack the rites of passage found in other societies. But a community needs to celebrate the passing of time in the lives of its members. A blessing can be part of that (ex. “You are on a journey as a parent” OR “As our relationship is changing” OR "As I spread my wings and move into adulthood.")
Tell a Story or Two. Retell a couple memories from your childhood or growing up years. It might be things you remember from home videos or family vacations or just ordinary, everyday things. It can be a funny story, or a time you realized your parent(s) were vulnerable and human. Things that, looking back had a significant impact on how you viewed them at the time. It can also be things you see as clear indicators of who they are, what they are like,and how they have loved and supported you through the years.
Share Observations as to How They’ve Grown. You’ve probably been able to see a change in your parents, even from a distance while you have been on the Race. They’ve pursued their own individual relationship with God, they’ve developed their own interests, etc. Talk about some of those things, because they don't always see it in themselves, and they probably do not realize you are watching. It is touching for many parents to understand that their kids care about their relationship with the Lord. This is a chance to share heart to heart from one brother/sister in Christ to another.
Express Appreciation. Parents have poured years of their lives into raising you the best they knew how. They rarely get to hear thanks for all the sacrifices they have made. A word or two of appreciation acknowledges that you value their attempts to parent you. It also shows them that you were aware of their efforts on your behalf. Finding one or two examples, or simply saying thanks, is a powerful statement that can bring healing and encouragement to your parents and strengthen your relationship.
Other possible components/prompts. Here are some examples you might want to include:
When I think of you, here is what I think ….
I think you’re incredible (and here’s why ….)
Here are some of the things I love about you …
Here are my hopes for you. These should be uplifting and encouraging.
I bless you with all that God has in store for you.
We ask you to be intentional in your time together with your Parents. Here are some questions that Seth Barnes gathered at a World Race month-end debrief. He asked the Racers to think of some questions to ask their parents, and questions they’d like to be asked. Consider using them as a way to start a conversation or to share something that you've never shared before.
What was your biggest failure professionally, relationally, and spiritually?
How did you respond to your failures?
What are some things you would tell your 22 year-old self?
What are some stories about mentors who shaped your life?
What is the craziest thing you've ever done?
Talk about a tough period of your life and what you learned.
How do you reconcile the goodness of God with all the suffering in the world?
What is your scariest story about ministry? How did God walk you through it?
What does your prayer life look like?
What hopes do you have for me and my generation?
What are a few key lessons you've learned about marriage?
What is your favorite childhood memory?
What makes you come alive?
How do we connect with people your age who can help us?
What advice do you have about raising kids?
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