I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
I love musicals and one of my favorites is “Fiddler on the Roof.” I can still see Tevye standing on the roof of the little cottage belting out the song, “Tradition.” And the last line is, “Tradition. Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as…as a fiddler on the roof!” Tradition is one of the ties that holds our family together.
However, #2020 has cancelled most of my traditions this year. I love to celebrate the grandgirlies birthdays and this year we have 16 yo, 18 yo, and 21 yo birthdays on the calendar but no special parties. We, also, had a high school graduation which we watched online. My favorite holiday of the year is Christmas and I recently cancelled my plans to go to California. It is physically painful for me to go to my online calendar and hit the delete button each time.
I’m grateful for the heritage of Christian parents and grandparents. Those family activities and special celebrations are naturally passed on to my children and grandgirlies. Whether it is a special cake, phone call, Christmas cookie, stocking opening, vacation, church service, or musical, the family gathers together to share the love and customs of the event.
When I go out to visit we always have what is affectionately called, “Family Dinners.” Once, Eleanor commented that when I’m there that it’s so fun because she gets to see her cousins more. Nothing makes a Mama/Nana’s heart happier than family members loving and spending time together. And it is in this context that we can share stories of Jesus to our little ones, listen and encourage our teenagers, and pray together as family.
There is something about repetition and tradition that allows the heart and mind to have the courage and joy to live in hope, especially in unsettled times. We know that this time of trial will end and I’m looking forward to a grand celebration.
Be of good cheer!