The Absent Young

On my sister’s farm one night this month, we drove down to feed hay and molasses to the cattle. Upon the Ute’s arrival, the older cows approached the vehicle, knowing that good things were coming. A two-day-old calf, reluctant to leave its mother’s side, also attended the vehicle. The older calves, however, remained on the hillsides, apparently content to munch their own grass and find their own nourishment. I managed to get some of the sticky molasses on my hand which I held to my mouth and tasted. I’d not want it for dessert every night, but I’ll confess to thinking it pretty good.

The cattle’s behaviour reminded me of humans. Churches are typically made up of older people, with a few children. The youthful are noted for their absence, and it generally behoves congregations to opine the lack of a younger generation. Some of our own prayer meetings have sought the Lord for this particular stratum of society. Yet as people mature and realise that rugged independence is as wearisome as it is ethereal, people will, God willing, darken our churches’ doors. While young and reckless, they stay away. When a little wiser and more mature they may just begin to call on the name of the Lord.

...And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, a young man devoid of understanding. Proverbs 7:7