The Calling of Ancestors
God said to Abram, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations.” – Genesis 17:4 (NRSV)
The most frequent question my wife and I are asked is, “Do you plan to have children?” Although I might cheekily respond “No; I value sleep more than I value kids,” a deeper look reveals that isn’t true. Between beloved nieces and nephews, summers devoted to working with kids at camp, and a vocation that began with teaching Sunday school, I have spent many sleepless nights worrying and wondering about “my” kids.
Although I don’t have a call to parenthood, I do pray for a place among the ancestors. Might there be an army of aunties among our fierce foremothers? A group of great mentors dwelling with the great-great-grandparents? A coven of caring adults that will be remembered and whose wisdom will shape the next generations?
When I look to my own ancestors, I remember the youth group leader with no kids of her own but a van full of kids every summer that she loved on and laughed with during weeklong service trips. Her patience and humor are now in my DNA.
I remember stories of my godparents who were committed to working for justice for disenfranchised members of their community. I pray their courage has been planted in me.
There was once a time when heritage was left to biological families, passed down from parent to child, but every time we expand our ideas of whose inheritance we have received, the ancestral plane grows and includes people whose stories might inspire, whose legacy is still felt, and who we owe a great thanksgiving for the ways they worried and wondered over our lives.
Prayer
May our ancestors ground us and guide us, each and every one of them. Amen.
About the AuthorEllis Miller serves as the Designated Pastor of Granby Congregational Church, UCC and is the author of Only Work Sundays: A Laidback Guide to Doing Less while Helping Your Church Thrive.