You don't have to look too closely to see we're in a major time of transition. Roy Williams likes to mention (here in
2003, here in
2008) that we go through a major cultural shift in the West every 40 years, like the swinging of a pendulum. Everyone remembers the 60's as one of these times, so swing the pendulum the otherw way and another must have began around the turn of the new millennium. For more on this theory check out
Generations by Strauss and Howe.
Adding an intensity to this significant time of change is the introduction of new mediums for communication. The internet is changing not just how we communicate but how we think as well. The last major revolution in communication began with the invention of the printing press and resulted in the period known as the Enlightenment. I think it's safe to say we've yet to see or understand much of the significant change that will result from this time period.
These changes however, and the increase in the rate of change, create exaggerated generational gaps and open gaps in communication. We no longer make one 50 year plan, instead we make multiple 1, 3, and 5 year plans. We're so busy moving forward that we don't have enough time to look back and we tend to devalue the wisdom of those who've gone before us because we view our setting as so radically new.
There is truth there, but there is also danger. Things are new and different, but the patterns are similar. If we don't seek out their wisdom we'll be stuck exploring frontiers that have already been mapped. We need to intentionally seek out sages, wise men and women, so we can learn from them. To learn is to grow, and those who've been through the often painful process of growth are usually the best teachers.
Our community here at Haus Bethanien is a young one. Ages range from 18 months to 36, and the average age of adults is mid 30s. We have relatively diverse backgrounds and together a good depth of cultural, spiritual, and life experience. We're passionate, opinionated, and committed. But we're missing something.
Mark and I were talking the other day about what we hope for our community and this subject came up. We'd really like to find an older couple or few more experienced men or women who would be interested in exploring the future as a part of our community. I know it wouldn't be easy. We might be loud sometimes, our schedules might not match up real well, and there would probably be communication problems too but I can't help but think we need it.
History may not repeat itself but it usually rhymes, and if we forget that we'll only waste time discovering it again.
