Family traditions: Building memories to last a lifetime!

When you look back on your childhood, what is it that you fondly remember? Most likely, it’s the traditions that you and your family shared – joyful times together that strengthened your bond as a family, and served to build lasting memories that will be replayed over and over again at family gatherings now and in the years to come.

The importance of building family traditions is not a human concept. God our Heavenly Father established traditions and celebrations so His children would recall His love, mercy and favor throughout generations. From the Passover Feast to the Lord’s Supper, we could devote an entire blog just talking about how the Lord has used and continues to use tradition and celebrations to bring to mind His Sovereign love for His children.

Bringing it back down to a human level, one of our favorite traditions each year is to visit family in New Jersey for Thanksgiving. It is such a blessed time of reconnection and celebration! We almost always spend the week with Sean’s dad Andy and stepmom Martha (we use the term “stepmom” here for clarifying purposes only, because she is “mom” to us).

And so we are eagerly anticipating another fun and memorable time together this Fall as we head out in just a few more weeks to see them! We are praying that the Lord will not only use this time to build lasting memories, but of even greater importance, that He will use this time to draw us all closer to Him!

Some of our favorite “annual NJ vacation traditions” are to visit the local cider mill, which presses newly harvested apples right there on the premises to create the most delicious, fresh hot apple cider you’ve ever tasted! Aidan, our resident donut connoisseur, particularly adores the apple cider donuts they bake – the smell is intoxicating and you dare not take a bite, because even if you are not a donut fan, you won’t be able to stop yourself from devouring one in seconds!

Another fun and exciting day is when we take the commuter train into New York City. The train ride is a much-anticipated event, and the boys enjoy it just about as much as our time in the city! Throughout the years, we’ve been blessed to see so much of NYC and always find it completely fascinating!

The town Sean’s folks live in is equally entrancing – a beautiful little antique town full of quaint family-run shops, boutiques and restaurants. If you are into cottage-style living, then Chester, is definitely worth a visit the next time you’re in NJ! One of my very favorites is Sally Lunn’s Tea Shop. This charming restaurant/gift shop is run by a Brit who knows how to serve up a delightful afternoon tea, which patrons enjoy while surrounded by shelves full of the most beautiful china and tea service accessories you can imagine!

At some point during our time in Chester, my mom Nancy and stepdad Art drive down from MA to visit us as well, and we all have such a great time together! It’s such a blessing when families can connect so well and love each other as the Lord commands! We thank the Lord for our families who love each other and extend such warm hospitality! All of this reminiscing makes me think about what a true treasure God has blessed us with in providing families to love! Building memories together is one of the bonds that we can all share to strengthen our love and commitment to each other! And of course, nothing can deepen the ties that bind, like having the Lord at the very center of your life!

We pray this fall will bring you and your families many wonderful memories together and that the Lord will be the foundation of every memory you cherish! Love and blessings, kel