Recently, I made a startling discovery. While exploring an ancestry site, my son discovered our family has royal lines. Granted, the royal lineage dates back to the 12th century at the earliest, but the revelation spurred me to investigate my history further.
Navigating through through the family tree, I encountered the names of people I have never heard and hidden stories I know nothing about. And I craved to know more about them. They laid before me as a mosaic of names and titles. Husbands, wives, pastors, queens, kings, and children.
As I scanned their movements and milestones, questions surfaced. What led them to pursue life in a different country? How did spouses meet? Why did nobility come into play and then go away for a few generations?
With curiosity coursing through my veins, I googled some of the more public figures. I wondered. Did they use their power for good or for evil? Fortunately, I found them to be characterized positively. Despite their distance from my life now, it mattered. Because we are connected. Their decisions shaped my life.
Those who became before me encountered the same intersections I do. Where do I go? Who should I marry? How many children should I have? Whats my purpose? How do I respond to tragedy? How do I parent?
I am a kindred spirit to those before me and those after me. I wonder how I am shaping others’ lives as I go my way. In the brilliant movie “About Time”, the narrator says “We’re all traveling through time together, everyday of our lives. All we can do is do our best to relish this remarkable ride.” And I’m thankful to God whose hand is weaving through it all.
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I’m so grateful for the godly heritage of my family, but I’m so curious about those farther back than I’ve been able to trace as well. I especially like your thought that our ancestors face the same kinds of decisions and dilemmas that we do.
Thanks for stopping by!
Stephanie, it’s exciting to hear about your royal lineage here in earth, and as a daughter to the King of Kings, who is weaving all of the colorful threads of your family story into the family of humanity. Happy hunting as you discover more details about your history and encounter God’s adventures for your future!
Thanks!
I wish I could go after
those who came before;
I hear their joyous laughter
just beyond a door
that’s handle-less before me;
do I thus dare knock?
Would, perhaps, my visit be
something of a shock?
No, I think I am expected
and the laughter would not cease,
but for now, I am rejected
for earth-life still holds lease
upon my soul, whose yearning tears
must be deferred to future years.
well said!
How fascinating Stephanie! I often wish I’d have listened more closely when My grandfather talked of our ancestors. I was young and uninterested at the time. I missed out. I now believe that knowing who came before us can help move us forward. I hope you continue to find out more!