They should recognize that children and young adults can often do jobs and share insights within the meeting that are usually reserved for the greater maturity and experience of their elders. Younger Quakers can strengthen our corporate life with a fresh perspective, with energy and enthusiasm, and with a feeling of accomplishment that can bind them more closely to their meeting and its life as they find respect and meaning in service to their spiritual faith community and to society at large. Meetings have a particular responsibility to concern themselves when families are in distress. Even among Friends, many Friends feel the effect of physical or emotional violence inflicted by members of their own families. There may be serious illness, financial difficulties, or other problems within the family.
Healing comes through counsel, time, hard work, and supporting relationships.
Prayer, love, and forgiveness, with divine grace, are powerful forces in restoring healthy personal interactions. A monthly meeting alive with the Spirit provides support for its children, parents, families, teachers, and caregivers. In identifying and nurturing the gifts of our children and youth we pass our heritage on to the coming generation, and they in turn are being prepared to become the future of our religious community. I have long been convinced that families are the primary agents of change in any society. It is in this setting that individuals first become aware that the passage of time means growth and change, that tomorrow is never like yesterday.