To me, learning about my family's history is more than just knowing who they were or where they came from or what genes or traits I inherited from them. There are so many other reasons I spend most of my spare time researching my ancestry. For me, it's about demonstrating to my children and family that we are part of a family much larger than we know. It's about how we are all interconnected and should respect and care for all people at all times. It's about realizing that our decisions often affect others, perhaps our own descendants down the line. It's about learning from the struggles and achievements of those who came before us. It's about avoiding repetition of the mistakes they made and continuing the practices that led them to prosper. It's about knowing that the past cannot be changed and someday people will look back at what we have done. It's about looking outside of ourselves at the bigger picture and realizing we each have the potential to make our world a better place. And it's about so much more. Family history is priceless!
What does family history mean to you? Tell us in the comments below!
Quote by Daniel Webster: There is a moral and philosophical respect for our ancestors which elevates the character and improves the heart.