I'm getting older. I hope I'm aging gracefully. Whether it is graceful or not, I'm definitely aging, though.
When we were doing the back to school shopping last week, I noticed that my daughter is truly developing her own style. We don't share the same one anymore, that's for sure. As she picked out her clothes, I kept flashing back to the wardrobe I had in 5th grade. What she chose this year and what I chose in 1984 were nearly identical - bright, almost neon, colors, skinny leg colored jeans, big clunky jewelry, and converse high tops. Wow! It brought back memories, but also reminded me that I've already seen this style come and go. I heard one time that if you were young enough to wear it the first time it was in style, that you shouldn't wear it the next time it comes around. I understand that now.
I've felt younger than I actually am for a long time now. I guess, if I had to pin it down, I'd say I feel about 25. I'm not, though. My daughter's friends don't see me as that slightly older cool chick. They see me as the middle-aged mom that I am. When did that change? My daughter, although she tells me that I'm not old, asked me the other day if records had been invented yet when I was born. She might not think I'm old, but she has no concept of how old I am. Even though I'm getting older, I want to remain relevant.
Time is flying by. It is slipping away. Seasons are turning. Generations are getting older. Am I doing everything I can to reach the younger generation? Do I even know how to do that anymore? Social media, texting, twittering, etc. are the vehicles that today's youth use for communication. Am I using those vehicles the best possible way to reach this generation? No. Will I start? Yes. Over the last couple of days, after being prompted by an online friend, I've been using my 140 characters (the space you get for a tweet, friends) to communicate a biblical truth. I'm paraphrasing Scripture and posting at least one tweet / FB status update each day that speaks truth into the lives of the young people that I have contact with. It's a start. It's not all I need to do, but it's a new trick that this old dog has learned.
**On a side note, do you know what WOMBAT means? I learned today that it is how you say "Waste of money, brains, and time" in texting. I never would have guessed.
2 remarks:
First, I know exactly what you mean about the clothes! I keep telling Gabby whenever we're at the mall that the clothes are almost identical to what we wore in the 80's, right down to the accessories. She HATES that, but loves the look!
I wish I knew how to reach the younger kids, especially my teenage nieces who are all facing serious troubles these days. I reach out to them, they blow me off. SO frustrating! If you find a magic key to their minds, do share. :)
Oh and text codes are way over my head. For the first time in my adult life I feel OLD. Out of touch. I say things like 'kids these days...' and wish the boys would pull up their pants and cut their hair. Who'd have thought I'd be one of THOSE grown ups!
I loved the 80's. The music, the great freedom as a teenager...I think the last decade of that kind of freedom. Can't say I liked the fashion though, I thought it was weird. Interesting to see it coming around again. You are not old but you will be before you know it. Follow your dreams now before you really do grow old.
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