On the fourth Sunday of July, the descendants of Roberto and Raquel Beaumont celebrate "Offspring Day." They have been doing this since 1956, when Raquel gathered her five preteen children around the dinner table at their home in Lima, Peru. She placed a rose by the napkin of each daughter and a carnation by the napkin of each son.
Knowing in a few years her children would be going their separate ways, she told her children that the gifts she gave them on Offspring Day were not mere flowers, but a token of her true gift to them--time and love. Furthermore, she expected them to pass on those same gifts to their children. Through the years, Raquel was the best example of her message: she always had time and love for each of her children, who regularly sought her advice and encouragement.
On Offspring Day each year, the elders who gather offer words of wisdom to their children. The young are encouraged to pick one thing about themselves they hope to improve in the coming year. It is a time for the generations to hear from one another and to set new goals for relationships. They do it all in the spirit of "Raquel's example."
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.
Philippians 3:17
No comments:
Post a Comment