Genealogy

In many ways, this is an addiction. Mental challenges are very enjoyable, and research to connect the fragments of facts and records to draw up a family tree is an endless puzzle. Currently, I am weighing the options of just setting the task down in consideration of the benefits by engaging in many more edifying things.  Then there is the guilt of all the family members, both close and distant who enjoy the results of these efforts. Right now, the files contain over 44,000 relatives. Yes, it clearly has been an addiction.

As I begin to turn away from this distraction, I reflect on the other rewards of this work. I spent many sunny days walking through cemeteries, reading newspaper clippings that reflect a way of life unfamiliar to our current experience, and growing an appreciation for the living dynamic of family systems across generations.

One very good benefit is that genealogists become quite comfortable with death. Obituaries are a wonderful way to make family tree connections, and so we read them often and in detail. We stand at our ancient ancestor’s grave and enjoy being with them. We rely on the fact that everyone dies and are aware that also applies to us.

This reminder of death clarifies our focus towards God. It is a blessing that I hope God allows me to retain throughout the remainder of my life. In the meantime, I have boxes of source records I can transfer to any relatives that want to continue researching our family tree. Anyone interested?

Death to the World

“Death to the World” is a phrase and precept deeply embraced by Orthodox Christian. It is the initial step of the Ladder of Divine Accent, written by John Climacus. This joyous phrase of devotion to our Lord makes our hearts glow but may not be entirely apparent to the secular mind.  It could be interpreted as threat of violence and perhaps make those outside of the church just a bit nervous.

We forget that sometimes the truths revealed to us are a struggling block to others. It seems this has always been so. We read in the gospel of John (6: 63-66) the Lords words “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” resulted in many of his disciples turning back, and walking with him no more.  Even so, some, the blessed in the kingdom remained with him, answering him “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life”.

The premise in “Death to the World” is not unlike this. We look out into the world, notice the destitute and helpless and this changes our behavior. We react but in ways beyond sending in a small donation from our excess. We come to realizing that a luxurious lifestyle itself is at the expense of the needy. Therefore, we strive to eliminate the excesses in our lives. We work to make our diet simpler, at least for half of the year; keep our clothing simple and modest, and reduce the unnecessary goods and services in our budgets.

It is a challenging but very rewarding path, but one full of grace and immeasurable rewards. As one who keeps stumbling while journeying this road, there is nothing but thankfulness for your fine example and lead. Let us rejoice in our travels together. Death to the World…Indeed!