Contrast and Continuity

I love seeing how everything in God's plan works together and turns out.
Proverbs 27:17 "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Today Austin’s and my group had a neat opportunity to see contrast and continuity all at the same time.
This morning they started serving at Adult Day Services talking and spending time with senior citizens. They were amazed at the stories and wisdom that these people shared with them and at how fun it was to just be with them.
Then in the afternoon they got to serve at a Boys and Girls Club and hang out with the 6-7 year old class.
It went from quiet and structured to loud and chaotic. There was such a contrast in the age grouping and the volume and the energy that it almost seemed like we were serving in two completely different ways.
But the continuity was there. Both places needed us to just be present and spend time with the people. In both cases we were not there to teach or bestow wisdom or do anything "special." We were there to be taught - whether it was the wisdom of the guests at Adult Day or the childlike innocence and abandon that the kids exhibit at Boys and Girls Club.
It's easy to look at situations we are in as new each time. But today it was a good reminder to see that God gives us the tools to start conversations, connect, and love on people no matter where we are. We have to be willing to adapt and be flexible but He is our constant and doesn't make us start over every time. No matter where we are or who we are with, we have so much to learn.
Psalm 71:18 "And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation."
1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."
-Jody Glazner, CSM Nashville Summer 2009 City Host