Tradition!

Ahhhh!! (read: sigh of contentment, relief, joy, and purpose)

Now that John is free on Sunday afternoons, I have the privilege (and responsibility, I suppose, although it feels more like a joy than a job) of resurrecting an old family tradition of John's Aunt Lois Wells. (Now I'm feeling a bit unworthy of such a task.)

Aunt Lois used to have a family dinner after church every Sunday. She almost always served her special spaghetti sauce on pasta. All the family was invited -- and expected -- to attend.

Today will be the first day of the rest of this extended family's life! (corny sounding I know, but I really wanted to get the point across that it's the beginning of something new and good)

This tradition will be full of casual dining, kids being noisy as kids naturally are, cousins getting to know one another, and family bonding and unifying. (Oh, and candles, too! I love candles.) All that's good in God's eyes. I pray that John and I are up to the task of keeping unity in our family. We want it to be not just impressed from the outside (us), but infused in every heart from the inside (the Spirit of God working within). Let it be not just taught, but caught and treasured -- this desire for unity, love, and the treasure of family. May future hurts be forgiven, may hearts be united inseparably, and may another carry on the tradition when I am no longer able or called to.

So, let the new old tradition be full of life and purpose, blessed by the God of love and unity, and a blessing to all who partake. Let the tradition re-begin!