On October 31st we celebrated a very well-known holiday. Halloween was a blast this year for the Coons family. We dressed up, trick-or-treated with lots of friends, and had way too much candy.

November 1st, however, we also celebrated a holiday not nearly as well-known. The day after Halloween, or All-Hallows-Eve, is All Saints Day.

All Saints Day is a holiday in the Western-Christian calendar set aside to honor all of the saints, known and unknown. A friend of mine, K.J. Tencza, several years ago came up with a way of celebrating this holiday in a very non-traditional way. We gathered together on the Friday night of All Saints Day and lit candles for those who have been a light in our lives- people that God has used in significant ways to shine and guide us. As people lit the candles they shared stories of those who have meant so much to them and how deeply they’ve impacted their lives.

It was a really incredible time. By the end of the night I felt this wonderful sense of gratitude; I am so thankful for the people in my life. And the lives of others. Encouragers, supporters, teachers, family.

We didn’t want to stop there, though. Betony made a “Family Tree” chart for people to take home and fill out how they liked. You could write in family members or take a more creative approach: who has deeply impacted your roots? Who are the people- family, writers, friends, teachers, people from camps, retreats, etc, who have been a part of your lineage as a human being? Who has truly shaped your soul? And write those names in.

We are providing here  the same “Family Tree” chart for download here. Print it off and take some time to reflect as you fill it in. And let it enrich your November! Here’s to the Adventure!
Click the small thumbnail below to download the large size file.

Much love,

Tim (Giants & Pilgrims)