Lessons from The Family Tree

Last night, I helped my son draft his family tree for a history assignment. Family heritage books revealed up to ten generations of ancestors from Norway on his father's side.

U.S. Census surveys disclosed new information about his mother's side. A great-great-great grandmother born in Ireland. A great-great grandfather from Prussia; his wife from Bavaria. And another great-great-great grandmother with a Dutch-family heritage stemming from a 1640 settlement in New York.

This morning I reflected on immigration stories recorded.


Atlantic storms nearly cap-sizing the ship carrying an entire family from Norway. The captain begging God's mercy and falling to his knees in thanskgiving when the crew was able to reattach the pin to render the rudder useable against the high seas.

 Arriving in Canada, with a son struck by typhoid fever. Leaving the son behind when hospital staff declared "no hope" for his recovery. Striking out for Decorah, Iowa, having other family members develop and die from typhoid fever soon after arrival. Being found in Decorah by the son left-for-dead-in-Canada after his miraculous recovery. Traveling with this son and other family survivors to Ottertail County, Minnesota - where tangible elements of their rooting-down remains.

 Pondering our immigrant heritage,
I challenged myself to a similar journey.

They took with them only what they needed and left behind things unnecessary.

How can I clear away unnecessary elements and travel lighter on the journey?

How can I keep the homefire burning?

How often do I kneel in thanksgiving?



Lessons from The Family Tree