The 50th anniversary of the NBBA World Series gave me one of those moments that feels bigger after you stop and think about it.
My dad, Kemp, and Jadon were both there umpiring. I was there. Jaelyn was there too, working four days as a field umpire before spending another day working at doggie daycare. Three generations of our family were part of the same event, each doing something a little different, but all connected to the same place and the same week.
There is something special about seeing generations serve side by side.
It is easy to think about legacy as something we leave behind someday. We picture stories, traditions, values, and memories that get passed down after we are gone. But sometimes legacy is not something behind us. Sometimes we get to stand right in the middle of it.
Scripture says in Psalm 145:4, “One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.”
The Hebrew word translated “generation” is dor, pronounced DOHR, and written דּוֹר. It refers to an age, a generation, or the people living during a particular period of time. The picture is one generation speaking to the next about what God has done and helping them understand what matters.
That does not always happen through a formal lesson.
Sometimes it happens while working together. It happens while watching how someone handles responsibility, treats people, solves problems, and keeps going when the day gets long. Younger people are learning more from what they see us do than we probably realize.
The same is true in reverse.
There are things younger generations bring that older generations need to see too. They bring energy, new skills, fresh ideas, and a willingness to learn things that did not even exist when some of us were their age.
Standing together does not mean everyone has the same role.
My dad has his experience. I have mine. Jadon has his. Jaelyn is just beginning to build hers. Each generation brings something different to the field, and that is exactly how it should be.
God never intended one generation to do everything alone.
The church works that way too. Families work that way. Communities work that way. One generation carries wisdom and experience, while another brings strength, curiosity, and new possibilities. When those things work together instead of competing with each other, something valuable happens.
We often talk about wanting the next generation to succeed, but one of the best things we can do is give them a place to participate now.
Let them work. Let them learn. Let them make decisions. Let them carry responsibility. Let them see what faithfulness looks like up close.
The NBBA World Series was about adaptive baseball, but for me, this year was about more than a week filled with over 100 games. It was more than making calls and rulings, knowing one side was not going to like it. It was more than crowning a world champion team.
It was about looking around and realizing that three generations of our family were serving in the same place at the same time.
That is something I do not take for granted.
Bible Promise
Psalm 145:4
“One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.”
God uses one generation to strengthen, teach, and prepare the next.
Reflection Questions
- What are you intentionally passing to the generation coming behind you?
- Are you giving younger people opportunities to participate, learn, and carry real responsibility?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the generations You place around us. Help me value the wisdom of those who came before me and make room for those coming behind me. Give me patience to teach, humility to keep learning, and wisdom to know when to lead and when to let someone else step forward. Help me recognize that legacy is built through everyday faithfulness, shared work, and the way we live in front of others. Let what I pass on point people toward You.
I give You all honor, all the glory, and all of the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.