“Consider earlier generations, study the past, understand your roots." ~ Deuteronomy 32:7
With both parents deceased and her oldest sibling’s recent
passing, Naomi became the family’s matriarch. So, as the holidays approached,
she sensed a burdening responsibility to roast a delicious turkey and bake the
family’s secret apple pie recipe to perfection.
More importantly, she felt
an even greater obligation to ensure that her children, nieces/nephews, and grandchildren
(who never had the chance to meet their grandparents), learn the memorable
points of the family’s history.
Years earlier, her
parents had invited Naomi and her siblings, their kids, and two dozen older relatives
for Thanksgiving dinner in the small town where they all grew up. As elders
reminisced in the living room, she heard stories, examined old photographs, and
enjoyed the laughter she’d heard countless times before.
It reminded Naomi of her family's influence; and how much her
life had been shaped by the life, love, and faith lessons taught when they gathered.
What appeared to be favorite songs, funny jokes, and amusing (sometimes tall) tales
came with priceless lessons of tolerance, adventure, persistence, and
self-confidence.
Old stories reconnected generations. They were as much a
part of the holidays as a Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas tree.
When someone started to tell a story, most already knew its
ending. But everyone listened, always laughing at the right time as heartily as
they’d heard it for the first time.
Family folklore arouses our sense of belonging. These
stories are “treasures” of the family crest, a family’s unique inheritance. Those
who reminisce together build stronger bonds.
That’s why family gatherings are essential! They create a
foundation of support, love, and shared experiences that contribute to a
resilient family unit.
The elderly especially need this sense of family and
togetherness. They often feel neglected, isolated, and alone. It’s so important
for them to spend time with loved ones over the holidays. It can be a
life-saving experience!
With that in mind, try not to leave anyone home alone this
holiday season Consider making written copies of recipes passed down from
elders for your guests to take home. Maybe even include a short write-up about
each author. Ask the younger guests what they’d like to know more about. Inviting
new stories could be fun and make youngsters more active participants.
Finally, resist any temptation to shut elders out of the
conversation just because they tend to repeat the same stories or seem to
confuse fact with fantasy. They’re the ones who carried the family stories forward.
Let’s do what we can to help them continue benefiting from their own tales.
Almighty Father, thank You
for the world’s diversity. Help us encourage connections between the older and
younger generations so that we learn from each other, appreciate similarities,
and understand differences. Amen
