Monday, July 8, 2013

Traditions



I had the fun adventure of spending July 4th with my extended family in Roswell, NM.  I was reminded of a family tradition that at first did not seem like a tradition at all.  But the more I thought about it, it has almost become a rite of passage into the Markl family.  My brother, Steve, age 62, has been riding motorcycles since he was 12 years old.  During these 50 years of riding “bikes” he has taught countless family members how to ride or either taken them on rides on his bikes.  The above picture is my brother with his 2 year old grandson on one of his 4 bikes.  Steve taught me how to ride a bike, he taught his own children, his nieces and nephews, and now is teaching his grandchildren and grand nieces and nephews how to ride a motorcycle.  His grandson, Hunter, age 13, will be riding his 1st motorcross bike race this week. 


Why is this tradition like many other traditions so important?  Because it says “you belong” to this family.  Each of us need “to belong” to something greater than ourselves.  Each of us has that desire to be valued for who we are and for what we are.  What greater privilege is there than “belonging”?  “Belonging” is what we cling to with the storms of life toss us all about.  “Belonging” is the anchor we grab for and hold onto desperately when the waves of turmoil are about to consume us.  “Belonging” is what gives us direction and holds us steady when we are bombarded by so many choices.  

What traditions are you creating to let your loved ones know they belong?

No comments:

Post a Comment