How Family Traditions Shape Future Generations
In the modern era, information is everywhere. From stock prices to currency rates to weather forecasts, we are bombarded with updates on a daily basis. Whether we choose to keep abreast of these developments or not, they are always there for us to find, whether we seek them out actively or stumble upon them inadvertently. It can be overwhelming to navigate this deluge of data, but it also provides us with a wealth of opportunities for learning and growth.
Amidst the sea of information that surrounds us, we try to keep up with the currents. Now in Cambodia, they are celebrating “Pchum Ben” and I am reminded about one subject always captivates my attention more than the rest: family traditions. Pchum Ben is one of the country’s traditions celebrated with the entire family clan. Reading stories about their customs, rituals, and beliefs that have been passed down through generations, across cultures and continents, never fails to mesmerize me. And today, as my students shared their own family traditions through their writing, I found myself drawn in once again.
Every family tradition is unique and special. It rationalizes our past and it provides continuity. It is a good avenue of learning people’s dynamics as we can dare to influence and inspire others with them. As I immersed myself in these stories, I was struck by the beauty of their authenticity and reminds me of my own family tradition.
Our family tradition is humble and simple, yet it also involves the church as our spiritual family. Each Sunday, amidst the echoes of hymns and sermons, children usually gather in the church’s Sunday school, eager to learn about God and His word. Among the lessons often taught, a passage from the Book of Proverbs reverberated frequently: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” With this guiding principle, parents or guardians can instill in the young minds not just spiritual values, but also the importance of cherishing and upholding family traditions- traditions for both spiritual and biological families.
As these children grow and begin to build families of their own, they carry with them the foundation of family traditions, passed down through generations. This heritage is a tapestry woven with memories, customs, values and faith principles that serve as anchors, providing a sense of belonging and stability.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Although there is occasional dysfunction, or disagreements in the family, family’s traditions is also reflected in conflict resolutions. This contributes to build a unique tapestry of values and memories that weaved together into something truly special. And while my own family’s traditions may not have been without their flaws, I found comfort in the knowledge that we all shared this common thread of love and tradition. It was a reminder that, while our stories may be different, we are all bound together by the strength of our families and the traditions that we carry with us.
In turn, the younger individuals of our family circle may choose to embrace the essential traditions they were taught in their youth or create new customs, breathing fresh life into the family’s tapestry. The act of keeping traditions alive, while also fostering creativity and innovation, ensures that the family’s story and faith principles remain vibrant and alive for generations to come.
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