Shade Tree Wisdom 7/21/08

Wind still this morning, so it is heavy, the air I mean, and harder to breathe. But it was 103 in Killeen, it makes our 97 seem less 97ish. Human nature it is to rejoice at the misfortune of another though we seem to sympathize. Schadenfreude, the Germans called it. That perverse pleasure from others misfortune that we try to hide under a coat of empathy. And the more we enjoyed their mishap, the more syrupy our sympathy gets. No, never happened to you. OK.

Ruth’s side of the family has held an annual family reunion since she was a little girl. The brothers decided it would be nice to spend some time, so they set on the third Sunday in July, and that date has never changed.

I remember watching cousin Margaret trying to convince her two sons, then 8 and 10 or so, to enjoy the day. They were ‘bored’, as most young people are. So I suggested they ask their uncle Ed how he ever got to raising seed corn, or another uncle how he managed to farm and run a milk route. So they did, and learned a lot about their family, and, Margaret told me later, really enjoyed the day.

That’s just it, isn’t it? When we are young such things as family get-togethers are a bore, we have other, more pressing things to do. Later, after uncles and aunts are gone, we would like a chance to sit down and ask about things in the family history. We get interested in why something happened or what happened to make such and such result. But then it’s too late to get the news we long for.

So, my word to you is, make use of the time and ask NOW.

It is interesting that the Book of Chronicles gives chapter after chapter of names, of descendants etc. And the Bible also points out that certain ones could not serve as priests because “their name was not found”.

So history is important. The psalmist says, “For the Lord is good, His love endures forever, His faithfulness continues through all generations” Psalm 100,5.

Reunions, reminders of where we came from, our history, our ancestry, all important to our well-being. Cherish them. And may the Lord bless the work.

GPD 7/21/08