This morning Sr. Wantabee started the second book in the Sackett series by Louis LaMour. Barnabas Sackett, the originator of the family line, is preparing to flee England for the New World. He is reflecting on what he needs to take with him besides the trinkets he will sell and bargain with. He decides that he must take books so that his children, should he have them, will know their “traditions” because without traditions, a person is rootless and looses a sense of civilization. The little aside on the value of literature is perhaps the author speaking about his trade through the mouth of his character. Great fun! But it also made Sr. Wantabee reflect on her favorite movie, Fiddler on the Roof, where the movie opens with a similar aside. How does man stay balanced on the roof of life, playing his fiddle? ponders Tevya. Tradition. Traditions tell us who we are and what God expects of us. An amazing one-liner.
This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day, remembering those who have gone before us, who have laid their lives on the line that we might live in freedom. Truly memories and traditions go together. We will barbeque and tonight we will eat beans and chapatis to honor our African roots. We will remember who we are, pray we understand more of what God expects of us, and hopefully will have time for literature to enrich our lives.
On the Way to Wonder 