Passing it on… passing what on? and why should it matter to us?
One thing that I am most passionate about is living in a multigenerational way. Specifically, passing knowledge and skill onto future generations. Through teaching your kids and younger generations traditions are created, connections are made stronger and life skills are earned.
Traditions…
The definition of tradition is passing on customs or beliefs from generation to generation. They are key to a healthy family culture because whatever you choose to implement into your family’s traditions eventually translate into the legacy that you leave behind. We all pass things on, it’s more a matter of what you want to pass down. I know for me I want to pass down skills and knowledge, such as gardening, making your medicine, sewing, etc. But even more than that I want to pass down examples of healthy relationship, real connection and an unwavering faith. Our highest family value will be passed down by our family traditions, extravagant and mundane.
Connections…
The definition of connection is having a relationship or association with another person, place or thing. An aspect of our culture that I struggle with a lot is the lack of true connection that we have with one another. Technology and business are two main contributors in our life that I find myself constantly fighting with. One way that I try to combat that with my family is teaching or sharpening skills. For example, Josh is the green thumb, so one point of connection for us is when he guides Juniper and I in the garden. One of my favorite connecting points with Juniper is teaching her how to make bread or any other baking. Real connection is essential, but not complicated. The very basis of it is togetherness. Being present with your family while you do basic, everyday things. Together.
The skills themselves…
Why are the skills themselves important? Well, there are many reasons, surely varying on each person, as to why keeping basic, yet key skills alive. One way that impacts the family as a whole is cost effectiveness. Instead of paying multiple other companies to grow, preserve, transport, then sell your food, you could do it yourself. All these aspects of buying your food go into the price of it. Though gardening and preserving have an upfront cost, in the long run we save money by doing all these things ourselves. It’s a longer processes and surely a labor of love, but it does save my family a considerable amount of money. Which is increasingly more needed in these days!
Another reason why I hold these skills close to my heart is the connection to our food. Growing my own produce is one of the most rewarding endeavors I have ever experienced, as well as using that produce well. Knowing where our food comes from, how it was grown/raised; learning to cook for my family with our own produce; learning to preserve the excess in order to feed my family well throughout the winter. It all reminds me how much going back to the basics has enriched my life.
Teaching our future generations is an essential task that we should hold very high in our priorities- both practical skill, and the deeper things of the heart. Teaching becomes simple, but so meaningful when we use our basic, essential skills to connect our families as a unite.
When God has tasked you with something, He will more than equip you.
Cheers, my friend, until next time,
Erin
The Simple Pursuit Mama 
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