Communication. Ugh! Let me tell you, when I was younger, communication was not my strongest attribute. Why? Because I felt like I didn’t have anything important to say. I was afraid to speak in front of a group of people and one on one with certain individuals other than my friends. I didn’t want them to think I was stupid or find out I had flaws.
Talking with adults was the hardest. Adults are just that—adults. How are they going to help me with anything? They don’t know anything about me. They’re not interested in anything I have to say. They’re only interested in adult stuff. They don’t understand anything I’m going through.
As the mother of two girls and wife of a youth pastor turned senior pastor, I can honestly say, adults do care. We are interested. We want the best for you. We want to know more about you and help you with anything. Because, I know it’s hard to imagine but, we, at one time, were teenagers and we know being a teenager is hard. It may have been a different time with different things going on in the world, but it was still hard.
Just like teenagers, it can be difficult for adults to communicate. Sometimes it’s not the best scenario when adults and teenagers communicate, but why is that?
Have you ever talked to someone about something important and they looked uninterested or yawned while you were talking? Or they rolled their eyes when they disagreed? Or they seemed to ignore you by looking at their phone or looking away instead of looking at you like they were interested while you spoke? How did that make you feel? Body language and facial expressions can be a HUGE form of communication. We use our bodies to communicate when we don’t even know. How we stand, our facial expressions, and even our eyes communicate to others how we feel. A lot of times watching someone’s body language isn’t the most inviting and it makes you want to run away from the entire conversation.
As teenagers, it seems so easy to talk with friends about anything—clothes, hair, make-up, boys, school, music, social media, movies, Netflix. There’s so much out there to discuss. But when it comes to communicating with adults, well, that’s a whole new ballgame. Or is it? We like some of those things too.
One of the big things to know about adults is that we are just like you, but with more experience. That’s why it’s nice to know you can talk with an adult because, more than likely, they’ve had an experience just like you or they know of someone who has. Adults can give great advice; just give them a chance.
When you have a problem and you look to an adult for the answer, it lets them know you trust them. When you communicate with a person for the first time, it may be hard to let go of some things that are personal. But as you continue to communicate and start getting to know that person, it becomes easier to let go and just talk.
The greatest man that walked on this earth, who became a teenager, an adult, and experienced so much should be the first person to go to with your successes, failures, needs, wants, and so much more. He is with you all the time and He knows you. His name is Jesus and He is the greatest communicator and listener of all time. But you know what? He has prepared someone to be there for you when you need it. It could be Mom, Dad, Sunday School teacher, Youth Pastor, or even the Youth Pastor’s spouse. If you don’t know who it is, pray and ask God to reveal that person to you. Pray for courage to talk to them. Who knows, the person God has prepared, that adult you thought you would never talk to, might turn out to be your greatest encourager and blessing.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Shine! 