Generations Connected

Yesterday held many important moments – business in Edinburgh, and a meaningful meeting in the Scottish Parliament on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

But the real highlight was something quieter, more personal: I had the chance to connect with Victoria, the daughter of one of my missionary companions from 40 years ago in London, Dana McBride, whilst she was on a very short trip to Edinburgh with her husband – and I just happened to be in town at the same time!

Time slipped away as we talked.

Though our meeting was brief, it held the weight of decades.

The last time I saw Dana was in 2016 in Phoenix, but yesterday – in a lovely twist – we bridged continents and years with a short video call to Dana and his wife Sheri.

For a few minutes, it felt like no time had passed at all, although it was evident that we are now both a little greyer!

There’s something profound about those kinds of connections – friendships rooted in shared purpose, carried forward into the next generation.

They remind us that the work we do, the relationships we invest in, often echo much further than we ever realise.

“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” — Psalm 145:4

It made me wonder, what seeds are we planting today that our children or those who come after us might one day reap with joy?