Family Tradition

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

My doctor has increased one of my medications which I believe has caused my recent drowsiness. I was in bed last night very early and slept in this morning, so I apologize for not having a blog up last night.

I'm almost finished with Bill Gates, Sr's book, Showing Up for Life. I've enjoyed reading his advice on life. He is a wise man who has put his family first. Wasn't sure if he puts the Lord first but I'm not done with the book yet. I do know from what I've read he is a family man.

Listen from the chapter titled "Traditions - Making Memories". "I believe family traditions help give children a sense of continuity and permanence in a world full of change and uncertainty.
Nobody knows what's going to happen tomorrow or next year, but traditions are mileposts and monuments that bring predictability and shape and form to our lives.
Mary and I shared the conviction that it was important to be deliberate in organizing a family's life. And so we embraced some of both our families' traditions and created more of our own.
One tradition that first began at Gami's house was the tradition of Sunday dinners. The menu didn't vary: it consisted of roast beef, corn, and roasted potatoes. (Once Microsoft was started Trey generally arrived late, and ended up eating cold, well-done roast beef.)
One reason customs like Sunday dinners matter is because parents have a responsibility to socialize their children. And it seems to me that somewhere in between sharing stories and discussing the issues of the day children learn what's acceptable and important in their family. This gives them solid moorings and a sense of who they are. I also think repeating rituals such as Sunday dinners communicates to children that it's important to show up for the people they love.
Sharing holiday traditions with family and friends makes the same point.
One of our family traditions is that when we assemble on Christmas morning we all wear matching pajamas. This acknowledges the memory of Mary and Gami, who delighted in buying everyone matching pajamas for Christmas and hanging them on the tree. It's also great memory-making material for the grandkids.
Of course, it is so often the small moments that occur while families and friends are partaking of traditions that leave the most lasting imprint."
"Traditions are important markers for moments in the life of any family. But life is a moving stream. Friends move away. Kids grow up. New people and interests come into our lives. So while there are traditions that remain and are repeated through the generations, there are also those that come and go. And it's been our experience that when they go, they are replaced by new traditions that bring fresh energy and excitement to a family's life."

From my own family our traditions have changed a little bit b/c of the changing dynamics of our family. The one constant in making traditions last is that love is the reason you celebrate. I will be 35 on my next birthday but at 35 years old my stepmother will make me a cake and cook my favorite supper meal and we will all gather at my parents' house to celebrate me with love.

Traditions begin b/c family members want to come together for a celebration. My aunt prepares one of the best lasagnas in the state for her family's birthdays. Making people feel important is why we do what we do. I pray your family has lots of love traditions. Celebrate love with those you love today.

Telling someone you love them is a tradition my family uses every time we hang up the phone with each other. Do you? Never pass up an opportunity to tell those you love, that you love them.