I love our FREEDOM TOUR traditions.
In just a couple of years we’ve established a number of meaningful traditions. I’ve become sort of a fierce guardian, which is an odd position for one who’s normally a bit of an iconoclast.
More curious, I’m often in the position of explaining to new folks why it’s a tradition. How did it start? Who did it first, and where did they fit in the story? Why do we continue?
Without history and meaning, traditions become rituals. We do this because…we’ve always done it. And you carry on because the ritual’s beautiful or familiar, even though nobody understands it. Or eventually someone says Let’s not do this any more and it’s not a big deal so the tradition fades.
I think traditions should be maintained, modified, or released with care. Maintained because they link to past generations, because history matters, because they were started and carried on for good reasons. Released because perhaps the original purpose has changed and something else might better fill the space.
Too often, I think, traditions are dumped simply for the allure of new and shiny. But the latest trend often lacks depth and character, so we jump from one sparkly thing to the next. I’m all for change when it advances the mission, but too many changes are simply a quest for different, easier, or more popular.
I like recalling the people and stories that already give the FREEDOM TOUR a rich history. I enjoy sharing those stories with you. I’m excited to build on our traditions as new people add their unique elements.
What are your traditions, in family, church, workplace, small group, neighborhood? Do you stop and recall the story, remember the history, celebrate the people? Have traditions slipped into rituals?
What will you do to build, celebrate, or re-energize your traditions?
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