As I was reading this week's readings, particularly the first reading, I realized how God was speaking to me differently because of my surroundings. So many times we listen to the readings for the first time in church, others read them ahead of time in a prayerful or familiar environment. This week I am in Alabama at the Gulf Shores for fall break. I am sitting on a porch, listening to the waves crash, the palm trees rustling as the wind blows and the laughter and shrieks of children chasing crabs with their nets in the hope of catching one.
The first reading today spoke to me about how the LORD has made so many amazing things and we don’t always get the opportunities to appreciate and admire His handy works. During my reflection time my heart revealed how important this annual trip to the Gulf Shores is to me and my family and how important it is to pass this sentiment along.
I would say that I am a very sentimental person. Memories of events and vacations from childhood all the way into my adulthood are cherished and re-lived through the stories I tell my children and the vacations we take. My family each summer would get in the car and drive to see our relatives in Mobile, AL and Toledo, OH. At each destination we reconnected with family and made memories that became family traditions. These family trips have become a tradition I am fortunate enough to pass along to my girls.
A favorite memory from Ohio was catching fireflies in jars, competing to get the most, watching them light up and then let them go. This tradition has been passed along to my girls, with a new spin, we go to Kirksville, MO where my husband is from and do the same thing. The girls even say “this is a tradition we have to do it”. Another tradition was to go to the Gulf Shores in Alabama. The girls and I have been blessed to visit the Gulf since they were six months old with my mom, dad and brother (and my husband when he can get away from work). Each year we have had our beach fun but most importantly our tradition of reconnecting with family has become even more important.
This trip we had the opportunity to see our cousins again and the girls were able to visit with their Great Aunt Harriet Jean in person this year. As years pass these traditions will keep memories and our loved ones close to our hearts, no matter where life takes us.
What are your traditions that you cherish, what new ones await? How can you place yourself in a different setting to hear God's voice in a new way? What will He lay on your heart?