Roots Routes

Friday, April 28, 2000

Psalm 78:6-7 – That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children; that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. (KJV)

My travels last year took me and two of our children to a family reunion in a little place in Ontario which was the birthplace of my grandfather and the burial site of my great and great great grandparents — none of whom were known to our children. Of all of them, I knew only my grandfather.

Also included for me, later, was a trip to the Maritimes — fulfilling a life-long dream to visit the peaceful pastures of Prince Edward Island as portrayed in Anne of Green Gables. As a child of eight years, when the dream was hatched, I did not know that my great-great-grandparents had begun their married life together in New Brunswick, and so my roots spawned further routes in our travels.

There is something so serene about the Maritimes. Everyone says, It's just different. Perhaps it is the little towns, untouched by neon signs or big box businesses — places where one can walk where generations walked before them, and do business in the same buildings. Maybe it's the rich red soil yielding spuds the taste of which surpasses any others. Or maybe it's the clean look of clothes drying on a line, or chairs faced out in the front yard ready to receive any who might want to watch God's wonders instead of television.

Maybe it's the many churches with their adjoining graveyards, built by our forefathers, spread across the landscape, serving as a testament of their faith and hope in God, for generations to come. Maybe it is their slower pace of life, their genuine friendliness, their love and protection of their environment, their appreciation for what God has given them — their priorities in the right place.

Prayer: May we ensure that the roots we plant and the routes we choose also reflect our hope in You and thankfulness for all You give us as we strive to keep Your commandments, as was done before, and so will be, for generations to come. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

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