Man, I really miss those doughnuts!

As time rolls on so do longtime traditions and memories. I can remember February 2 was always the day mom would make homemade doughnuts; the ones you drop into a deepfryer of oil and coat with sugar both granulated and powder. (I could be wrong, but I think mom would sometimes use our homemade lard) Could explain my weird cholesterol numbers. Over time, mom has ceased many of her activities. Her failing eyesight and short-term memory loss swirl together and leave longheld traditions to fade into the past. Doughnuts that were probably able to clog an artery quicker than you can say, "Bob's your uncle." are no more. (Probably a good thing) Oh sure, we can still get fasnaughts. They just aren't the same.

Our desire to maintain and remember our past can lead us to grieve when those warm memories come to a end. So what are we to do in the midst of this loss? Should we pick up where others left off and try to continue those traditions? Should we pursue new traditions and practices? I think doing a little of both are possible.

What kind of longheld traditions do you have in your family? What aspects of those traditions are most meaningful to you? Have you carried on family traditions from generation to generation?

"Because of the LORD'S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new

every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for

him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24, NIV)

New ventures and adventures can be meaningful. Some of the most memorable things we have done as a family were neither planned or ever duplicated.

* Riding bicycles in an electrical storm

* Climbing Horseshoe trail while pushing a baby stoller

* In the midst of a power failure, playing board games by candlelight

* In the midst of a power failure, camping in our living room

* Camping in a horrendous storm

I especially like the fact that while God is unchanging, God provides new grace, mercy, and love to us daily. The faithfulness of God toward His people allows us to rejoice and celebrate like kids in a bounce house.

Plan your life as one who walks with the future maker, but live your life one day at a time and enjoy all the benfits that come whether planned or not. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Faithful.