A Family Tradition

Family traditions help to bring families together and create family bonds. This past week we reviewed one of our family traditions and refined it adding a few new details to make the beginning of the Sabbath more special. It was wonderful.

1. Stop regular work one hour before sundown to get ready for this special occasion

2. Take turns picking special music CD’s

3. Light the candles

4. Bring out the white table cloth for the table

5. Wine or special equivalent

6. A bouquet of flowers

7. Crystal, silverware and the best dishes

8. A favourite food... for us we love artichokes when in season

9. Fresh baked bread or pastry

10. Each one share one “grateful moment” from the past week.

Inspired by our daughter Sherilee, we each made a list of a dozen things we were grateful for. Of all the elements in this list, this one provided the most lasting satisfaction. You'll probably not understand this until you do it yourself.

11. Share a spiritual insight or special Bible text.

Shirley shared Revelation 3:20. Jesus said, "Here I am. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

This ties into her recent photo study on "Doors & Inspiration in Cartagena" posted March 9, 2010.

12. Have a Sabbath prayer

13. Watch the sunset. When at home we love to watch the sunset from our special bottom deck that overhangs the cliff.

Today there was no visible sunset in the wind storm... but I just happen to have a favorite sunset photo taken a few summers ago.

If you are inspired to make or refine some of your family traditions, there are many resources online.


If you'd like to see more Thursday 13 participants, go here.