The Days of Our Youth
Chapters of Life: Chapter 1
Which creature has one voice and yet becomes four-footed and two-footed and three-footed? -The Riddle of the Sphinx (about 429 B.C.)
I. Definition through Story
In Greek mythology, a Sphinx guards the entrance to the city of Thebes. Travellers who desire to enter the city must first answer the Sphinx’s riddle: “Which creature has one voice and yet becomes four-footed and two-footed and three-footed?” If they could not answer, they were strangled and devoured.
Oedipus, however, was able to solve the riddle.
Oedipus realized that humans crawl as a baby, walk as an adult, and use a cane in old age. It seems that this was an equal opportunity riddle. For when Oedipus answered “Man,” the Sphinx killed herself.
The first chapter of human life encompasses the first two stages of the riddle. The journey from all fours to standing on two feet is one of the great joys to watch for those in chapter two.
My youngest son, Sam, has done a great job of moving from a crawl into adulthood. In the past two years alone, he has gotten his driver’s license, graduated from high school, chosen, applied to, and been accepted by Northeastern in Boston, and developed healthy relationships with a close circle of friends in that new city. There, he has made it through his freshman year, chosen his major, begun his first internship, and received his first paycheck. He has covered so much ground!
As my wife and I, now in chapter three, reflect on the chapters of our two sons’ lives, we find their first chapter to be the most nostalgic. We remember when we each began to smile, to talk, to walk. We remember their very first day of school. We want to hold on to every moment that our youngest experiences in his first chapter. But we need to adapt as he grows. Though the relationship is shifting as he moves closer to chapter two, he still needs us in ways that fill our parental hearts!
II. Key Practices for Chapter One:
Enjoy the freedom of this chapter of life. As Ecclesiastes 11:9 says, You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
Be a sponge: pay attention, listen, and learn.
Experiment with increasing responsibility: stepping out in faith, working jobs, going on dates, experiencing other cultures, learning in internships, etc.
Remember that everything you experience, especially the hurts, losses, and defeats that hurt so much in this stage of life, is not the end of the world but will fade into memory in other stages of life. Allow each experience, though painful, to teach you its valuable lesson.
III. How People in chapter one can makegoodhappen with those in other chapters of life:
Your parents, in chapter two, may well be overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising you, while also managing other challenging relationships.
You can help them parent well. Encourage them when they do good parenting. Be honest with them when you are frustrated. Forgive them for being human.
Keep in touch with family members in chapter three of life. They have a lot to teach you if you are willing to learn.
Listen and learn from the stories that your relatives in chapter four want to share with you.
IV. How other chapters can help those in Chapter One:
If you are in chapter two of life, plan ways to be a role model for those in chapter one; not just from a distance, but by making time to hang out with them. Take them to their favorite fast food. Ask them how they are doing and be ready to answer any questions they have.
Those in chapter three of life can help those in chapter one by supporting their parents who are in chapter two. This includes regular day-to-day help with parenting. If you are able, start a college fund when a new family member is born. Also, be available as a buffer between the children and their parents. Allow both parents and children to vent without taking sides. Provide a safe space for the kids in your own home.
If you are in chapter four of life, do as much of “chapter three” as you can.
Bonus: What does a faithful chapter one look like?
Father, when I wake up, I will be seventeen, and now I want to thank Thee for the years Thou hast given me, but most especially for this last year. As far as good times are concerned, no girl, it seems to me, could have had better fun; as far as beautiful environments are concerned, surely few girls have been sheltered in such a home and loved ones. When I think of my chances and opportunities, I thank Thee for sparing that wonderful, loving Grandmother to us so long. And the friends, - Oh, Father, I thank Thee for my friendships, and all they have meant to me, but most of all I thank Thee for Thyself, that I have learned to love Thee better and trust Thee more, and I commit all my life to Thee and ask Thee to help me to live a life of service to Thee, In Christ’s name. Amen. -One Girl’s Influence1
Speer, Robert E., One Girl’s Influence, New Jersey: Frederic H. Andrews, 1915) pg 18
Beautiful, Randy. I really felt a sense of the purpose and meaning of those living in this chapter of their lives here! 🌿