Traditions And Messages

There is so much of her grandmother in Baby Girl. Among them they are both traditionalists. Things are supposed to be a certain way, always and forever. Heck, the DO is cut from the exact same cloth for that matter. There is a strong pioneer streak, handed down from mother to daughter for generations, that runs through Lu's family. They had a large part in settling this part of Southern Utah more than a century ago. But what messages do our traditions send to our beloved children?

Is it one of alcohol and abuse and contempt for law and society and our neighbors? Because those are indeed things that are handed down, subtly or not so much, to our progeny. Attitudes as poisonous as a rattlesnake.

Is it one of family and the shared happiness and sorrow that comes with being together, tight in our bonds of love? 

In our everyday interactions with each other and our children what are we telling them?

I like to think that Lu and I are the keepers of the family lore. The guardians of family traditions. It's our job to pass along that knowledge the kids need to understand their place in, not only our family but the greater American family.

It's an awesome responsibility, knowing that you have such an ability to guide and teach and influence.Much of their future is in our hands. What messages do we send?

Is it simply a Christmas stocking for the newest member of the family or is there a greater message? Something beyond the excitement of creating and the learning of a new skill?

Perhaps she is learning that two sets of hands makes a task go quicker and easier. That a shared joy is increased beyond measure. That patience and listening will be rewarded. That giving is more satisfying than receiving. That works of the heart carry a greater value than a store bought trinket.

Perhaps all we ever truly pass along is love. The joys of just being together as family. That sometimes a warm lap and a shared smile are enough.

In the end all we ever really have is each other. Spend your time together well and remember the messages we truly send for it is that which will stay with our children the longest and shape their futures more certainly than any outside force.

May God grant me the strength and wisdom to be the messenger I need to be.

Six