When I was young, my family spent a lot of time at my maternal grandparent’s home. My Dad was in the Army Reserve and always went to summer training for two weeks in August. My Mom and us three kids would always spent that time at Grandpa and Grandma’s house. Oh, the fond memories. My Mom’s family had lived in the small town and surrounding area for many generations, so there were many distant relatives in the area. I was related to at least 4 prominent families in the area, and since my mom had grown up there, she still had friends living there. Going to the IGA grocery with Mom and Grandma was always an adventure, because we were bound to run into someone that we were either related to or was a family friend of Mom or Grandma. For a long time, I thought I was related to everyone in that town.

I remember going to the local cemetery with my grandparents to lay flowers on the graves of my great grandparents and listening to stories about the lives of my grandparents as young people, and of their parents as well. My genealogy has always been intriguing to me, but it wasn’t until after my parents had passed that I realized I hadn’t paid close enough attention and learned more history about my family. For that, I have deep regret.

I have learned from past generations that family is what makes you who you are, and you should cherish the family you have.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask that you bless my family members, be they near or far. Be with them, always. Let them know that family ties are never broken, just as our faith in Christ in unbroken.

Wondering While Waiting: How have your relationships with people from other generations shaped you?

Alice Steffen – Inspire. Ignite. Invite.

Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, IN