TIP 30. FAMILY HERITAGE
As a family unit it is important that you make your mark in our society, and leave something behind that the generations to come can remember you by. It doesn't have to be the cure for cancer or an amazing new invention, but it does need to be something that is uniquely and distinctly yours as a family. You can do this by developing a family heritage, things that your family loves to do that can become a family tradition.
her·i·tage n.
1. Property that is or can be inherited; an inheritance.
2. Something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition.
3. The status acquired by a person through birth; a birthright: a heritage of affluence and social position
It could be something as simple as a yearly holiday at the beach, or a camping trip to the bush at Easter. It could be being involved in a charity program every year or getting together with the extended family at Christmas. It may be as straightforward as going to the football regularly and to the grand final every year. Whatever it is, it needs to be something that your family enjoys and identifies with, a family tradition that is worthwhile continuing for many years to come.
For many a family heritage has just 'seemed to develop' through identifying the areas of interest within the family and continuing to pursue them over a long period of time. A family heritage is an 'inheritance or tradition' that has the imprint of your family upon it, it is uniquely yours, and something your family can be proud of and hopefully continue, if it stays relevant.
The beauty of a family heritage is that it is always growing and developing, as different things are added throughout the years. It does not have to be formal or regimented, but should remain fluid and adaptable, this will give it a greater chance of surviving through generational changes.
The main thought behind having or developing a family heritage is having something that your children can identify with, that gives them a sense of belonging. Something that they will want to pass on to their children, a family tradition that is worth keeping.
Dads' Call To Action:
Identify the things that you love to do as a family, and make them a part of a developing family heritage.
(1 Corinthians 11:2)
Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.