I’ve always considered myself a “plant killer.” Aside from the sprouts we planted in kindergarten (which really thrived thanks to my mother, not me!), I’ve never had much luck with plants. Here in the UK, many families have beautiful gardens full of flowers and greenery. I often find myself admiring their blooms and longing for color in my own garden—but my rational side warns me, “Don’t murder innocent life.”
A while ago, I visited a couple. During our chat, he proudly shared the plants he’d grown and brought one from his special plant room for me to see. Embarrassed, I confessed, “I’m a plant killer—even cacti have died under my care.” He replied with a smile, “Actually, cacti are quite tricky!” I was deeply touched by his kindness.
He went on to explain, “It’s not just about watering and feeding them; it’s about providing the right environment for growth.” They choose some plants for the garden and others for a dedicated indoor space. I’ve also heard of friends setting up grow lights and carefully controlling temperature and humidity for their plants.
As I listened, my thoughts turned to the spiritual growth of the second-generation believers. I’ve often heard devoted parents express concern about their children’s faith journey. Even before their children were born, they brought them to church, they grew up in Sunday School and youth fellowship, absorbing Scripture and memorizing verses. Yet as they enter adolescence, many grow distant from church—and parents fear they may drift away one day.
During adolescence, young people begin to explore their identity, independence, relationships, life’s meaning, moral discernment, and faith. Parents and church leaders must learn how to journey with them during this stage—providing environments that nurture their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual development. We need to create spaces, both at church and at home, where they can see Jesus’s presence and love embodied in real life; spaces where they can express themselves, ask questions, process emotions, and follow healthy examples.
Our prayer is that the next generation will bear fruit—for the Lord—thirty, sixty, even a hundredfold!
Rev. Florence Wong