Live It Articles Rooted in Tradition

Once a year it would be taken from the highest kitchen cabinet. The oversized colander rested in its metal frame. A large cone-shaped wooden tool waited on the counter. A large pot of potatoes boiled on the stove. I remember my father making his annual visit to the kitchen to 'rice' the potatoes for Thanksgiving. His strong hands and powerful forearms pressed the soft potato through the pen-sized holes to form thin strings of white. It was a sure sign of Thanksgiving. I am not sure why we only had this dish at this holiday but it was tradition . As the tradition continues, it is still a "man's job" to do the pressing.

Many times there would be large amounts of riced potatoes left over. Not everyone ate large quantities, but it just was not right for the buffet to not have a heaping bowl. Funny how some traditions are enjoyed more for the memories they invoke than the pleasure they actually bring. Some have suggested the role of tradition is very important in bringing security, connectedness and meaning to our families. It is also evident that in our family of faith that tradition can be important, as well.

Jesus used shared experiences to bring the family of faith together. One of the most meaningful is the symbol of the table.

The Lord Jesus on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."
I Corinthians 11:23b-25 [New International Version]

The Lord's Supper is built on one of the most unifying celebrations in Jewish history - the Passover. He takes the long-standing symbol, which gives strength, and adds new meaning that brings power. Symbols that become routine often become stale and meaningless, but when they are awakened with fresh experience, they refresh young and old.

How to Keep Traditions Alive

DON'T:

• Forget the meaning of the observance
• Be more committed to rigid observance than to people
• Fret the details and miss the party

DO:

• Highlight the favorite parts of past observances
• Be open to new ways to do familiar things
• Include symbols of past observances [tattered but preserved decorations, favorite seasonal recipes, family stories etc.

This holiday season, bake up familiar traditions, but don't be afraid to use some fresh ingredients!

Dr. Bill Heston
University Chaplain,
Howard Payne University
Brownwood, Texas


Dr. William Heston was minister of pastoral care at Houston's First Baptist Church; clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and a marriage therapist licensed by the state of Texas. He has also led seminars at First Place Conferences.