Life rolls along until that moment when you realize it's time for change. That happened to me last week when I took a roadtrip with my dad for a family funeral. The trip clearly demonstrated to me that our extended family culture has changed quite a bit in the past few years. These changes are the natural result of an aging and growing family that's experienced many graduations, new relationships, and sadly, deaths too.
It's good to reconsider your family culture now and then in order to think about where your family is at and what you hope for in the future.
For me, I hope for continued family closeness with the reality that the closeness will take different forms as the extended family grows and changes. For example, last night my brother hosted a wonderful graduation dinner for his daughter. Not everyone could be there, but those that came were delighted to share in the celebration, a celebration well planned for our diverse family group.
So as I consider my role in family culture in the days ahead, I recognize the following priorities.
Warm, welcoming home
I want to continue to create a home that my children want to visit and a home where they can relax and enjoy each other's company.
Fun, family traditions
I want to nurture family traditions that bring us together with happiness and joy. Those traditions will change somewhat dependent on the family make-up, abilities, schedules, and interests, but if possible, I'd like to continue to support these events:
- holiday get togethers
- family adventures a few times a year
- extended family reunions including our mountain trip and beach meet-up
- helping one another when needed