Tradition . . . TRADITION!

"And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you that in one word: Tradition." Tevye--"Fiddler On the Roof"

Last night I attended an Eternal Marriage course offered through our local Institute of Religion. It is taught by some of mine and A's favorite people, the Tuckers, and I left it inspired and ready to be a better mate and parent.

The topic was "Traditions of the Fathers" and provided for some great discussion and personal evaluation. We know from the scriptures that there were many times in which poor traditions were passed on to generations and eventually lead to their demise, while at the same time we know that positive traditions have continually brought people to our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ.

Sister Tucker cited this great quote from General Conference that I remember hearing, but did not quite internalize. Cheryl C. Lant said:

What kinds of traditions do we have? Some of them may have come from our fathers, and now we are passing them along to our own children. Are they what we want them to be? Are they based on actions of righteousness and faith? Are they mostly material in nature, or are they eternal? Are we consciously creating righteous traditions, or is life just happening to us? Are our traditions being created in response to the loud voices of the world, or are they influenced by the still, small voice of the Spirit? Are the traditions that we are creating in our families going to make it easier for our children to follow the living prophets, or will they make it difficult for them?

Really, think about that last sentence. As I think about our days and recognize that some of our "routines" have become tradition I am grateful to realize that some of what we do is making it easier for our children to follow the living prophets. But I also think about some of the other ways that we spend our time and to be truthful, I am not sure. Anyways, I guess I am writing this post as more of way to consider where we need to be better.

There are so many different types of traditions and as couples and parents I guess we just have to prioritize and realize as Elder Oaks said:

We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives."Good, Better, Best" from the Fall 2007 General Conference.

Now, I realize that not all traditions have direct correlation to the Plan of Salvation--but I guess that as we think about them we may find that many actually do. For example, I have a dear friend who is a single mother and a wonderful cook. Every Monday night at her house is "Soup Night". When her children moved away for college she discontinued making soup for herself every night. However, when they would come back into town they were appalled that she wasn't planning on "Soup Night" while they were there. Those kids treasured that tradition and my goodness, doesn't eating as a family allow for a great way to build relationships, discuss, celebrate, etc.? The question must be: Can I share my testimony of some gospel principle while doing ______ with my family? If yes, then it will make it easier to follow the living prophets.

I know that S & G are full of fabulous traditions which in many cases have been passed down from the Fabulous C-Dog, but what other things are the rest of you doing that you feel unite your family while also making it easier for them to follow the living prophets?

I am all ears (eyes)--smile!