Generation to Generation

In today's world we often think of the here and now. But there was a time when people thought of those coming behind them. Families would pass down their cultural heritage, their cherished traditions, and their faith to their children and grandchildren. The passing down of practical skills and traditions allows one to gain wisdom from the past.

As a mother of a very large Tribe, and now a grandmother, I have always had to desire to share life with our children. Our hope was to instill the love of God into the lives of our children, to emphasize the importance of family, and to share our own mistakes so they may learn from them.

In today's rapidly moving world of technology, the value of passing down practical life skills cannot be overstated. Essential life skills foster resilience, independence, and a sense of connection. By learning practical and traditional skills, our children can gain understanding of those that lived in the past.

How can we help our children learn from the wisdom of those who came before them?

Storytelling

Storytelling is powerful. Its a fun and easy way to share our experiences with our children.

It's so simple. Just share your heart and your experiences. Share the history of your family, tell funny stories of "back in the day" and take a walk down memory lane with them. You may find yourself falling in love all over again as you share you and your hubby's love story. Your life story will inspire them, challenge them, and often times make them laugh.

Hands-On Approach

Teach your children the skills you possess, like cooking, knitting, and woodworking. The hands on approach allows for direct learning where they can learn a skill and ask questions. We often take our grandkids around the farm to help with "chores." We have worked in the garden, fed the chickens, and rode on the tractor together.

Pictures

I know that most people now days don't get their pictures developed, but I still do. There have been many times when we have pulled out pictures and had some good laughs from the past. This opens up communication and tons of storytelling.

Cooking

Sharing recipes and cooking together is a fantastic way to pass your cultural heritage to your children.

Our faith should be so real in our daily lives that our children naturally follow in our footsteps.

God directs us to teach our children. The children and grandchildren in our lives are always watching and learning from us.

Did you know that Jesus commanded the disciples to pass on what they had learned?

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Our lives are a living example before the younger generation. It's not that we should always be telling them to do something, but showing them how to do it. We pass our faith to our children by letting them hear us pray, witnessing us reading our bibles, and listening to us as we share our faith to others.

From generation to generation, the passing down of practical skills, traditions and our faith gives our children the sense of connection to our roots. It nurtures deep family bonds and cultivates a sense of unity.

"One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts."

Psalms 145: 4