The teen years are usually seen as a time for
young people to find themselves. They are the years of experimentation.
They are the rebellious years. Thankfully, however, many teens
do not view their teenage years this way. My experience with teenagers
has been a very positive one. Nearly all the teenagers I have
had the opportunity to know well have been outstanding young people.
There have been a few exceptions, but they were just that, exceptions.
I refuse to let those bad experiences sour my attitude toward
all young people.
I am optimistic when I see the talent and drive
of today's youth. They have goals. They understand the importance
of hard work and commitment. They realize that short-term sacrifices
will result in long-term rewards. They manage to juggle the demands
of school, work, and extracurricular activities quite well. Those
I know best have strong views regarding the direction our nation
has taken in recent years and the need to get back on course.
They are committed to building a better nation upon a strong moral
and ethical foundation. They believe they can make a difference.
They can and will!
If your experiences do not mirror my own, it may
be because the teenagers I have known have come from a unique
background. They are the products of Christian homes where God
is respected and obedience is expected. It does make a difference.
Solomon urged: "Remember now thy Creator
in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the
years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them"
(Ecclesiastes 12:1). Those who obey Christ in their teen years
are putting themselves on a path that will spare them much harm
and result in much good for the rest of their lives. They understand
that the laws of God were designed for their welfare.
If I had one wish for the young people of this
nation, it would be that they all would have the opportunity to
grow up in Christian homes, to know God, and to follow Jesus early
in life. I realize that a wish like that does not just happen.
I may not be able to influence every home in America, but I can
influence my own, and you can influence yours. We owe it to our
kids.
As always, if we can help, please let us know.
534 6th St., Marietta, OH 45750.