Family Traditions

Week 13
Family traditions. We all have them. Are they silly?
Every Black Friday instead of shopping, my family piles into our van, drives north to choose the finest Christmas tree we can spot at Richardson's Farm. We point to one we think looks good. Dad says its too tall for our house. We find one that looks shorter and we walk over, but they are always taller than they appear. We discuss and debate the pros and cons of each tree: trunk shape, fullness, needle sharpness, overall shape, height...
"Is it leaning?"
"There is a hole on this side"
"We can put that side against the wall"
Usually a snow ball fight or game of tag breaks out.  Someone probably trips on a tree stump.
We decide to just pick a tree... after all, they all pretty much look the same anyway.
Dad saws it down. We wait in line for free hot chocolate. We tie the tree to the top of the van.
We go to eat at the Cubby Hole Cafe. We sit in "the big booth" (the only one big enough for the 5 of us). We drive home and listen to the Nsync Christmas cd. Yes I said Nsync.

This is all sort of silly if you think about it. We do the same thing over and over every year. Why?
Is it because it is familiar, it is stable, it is comforting? In a world where things are always changing. In a family where kids grow up, schools, cities, jobs change... the day after thanksgiving never does. It is comforting.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction..." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Maybe those traditions aren't so silly after all.


In the spirit of Thanksgiving: I am thankful for my family. For a family who cares enough to have traditions. For a God who uses such a family for love, warmth, and comfort. 

We missed you this year Kev-o.