There are several OT verses that prohibit the removal of ancient landmarks. Proverbs 22:28 says, “Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set” (c.f. Deut 19:14; 27:17; Prov 23:10; Hos 5:10). These verses are in reference to how the Promised Land was parceled out to the twelve tribes and subsequently to families within those tribes. Israel was a land based people of God. God intended that the land they were given would remain with the family in perpetuity. As a matter of fact, in the Year of Jubilee (which, sadly, the nation never observed) all land was to revert to the original family even if it had been sold or bartered away. The family identity was to be connected to the land God had given them. The boundaries of property were delineated by “landmarks”; cornerstones or property stakes as we might call them today. It was considered a high crime to remove those property defining stones because it would cause families to lose the identity they had with that land.
That is the literal meaning of “landmarks” in the OT. Allow me to underscore a metaphorical meaning. As our family advanced in age and began striking out on their own, it became apparent that many of our cherished traditions were not going to be observed due to the fact that they were establishing their own families and in the case of one, Elise, moving to a different country. Michal and I came to realize the last “We wish you a Merry Christmas” sung at the bottom of the stairs before any of the kids could come up to begin the Christmas morning festivities, had doubtless been sung. The Christmas stockings, while still hung carefully from the mantle, are now empty on Christmas morning. Christmas Eve stopped including the opening of one present. And while we still try to fill the void by watching “A Christmas Carol” (George C. Scott version… best ever) as we have done every Christmas Eve for at least the past 27 years, we must do so with only some of our family members and, potentially some Christmas Eve, with no one but ourselves. And yes, while continuing to enjoy mom’s special hot chocolate and finger snacks after the Christmas Eve service will always, I trust, be maintained, it just is not the same.
Well, many such things have gone by the wayside including an annual trip to Spicer’s, Canterbury Village (which I am not sure is even open anymore) and Frankenmuth. So, many “landmarks” (in the metaphorical sense) have been removed. However, our hope is that the meaning and the values behind those traditional landmarks will not evaporate but be carried over to our children’s own families. These are values to which every family might aspire. What are some of them?
- The importance placed on being a family.
While we were not by any stretch of the imagination a “model” family, we were so often together. The nature of my job as a pastor and mom homeschooling all our children, led to some of the things (like day off activities and trips) that became such a big part of our lives. Because of these things we were “always together”. Now, there were times that being together all the time was tough. But for me, how I enjoyed always coming home to a full house! The house just seems so empty now.
- The focus we had on the church
In the McIntosh home, our lives revolved around the church. It was an extension of our family. Again, not a perfect church. But the joy of the whole family being involved in the church up to our eyeballs was a landmark that I hope my children will maintain in their families and you will keep in yours.
- The security of mutual love we shared
Now, that was often tested. And at times between siblings, it didn’t look much like love at all. But even between those of our children who were “oil and water” there was a bond of love that permeated and prevailed… and still prevails today. I was reminded of this during an episode when there was a perceived outside attack on one of my children. All the family, (including meek and mild mama bear) wanted to attack the attacker for needlessly calling the police on one of our kids. I had to talk several of the family “off the ledge” so to speak. Had I added any fuel to that fire I fear to think what might have happened. When one of us was attacked, the family closed ranks. It was because of the mutual love we shared as a family.
Family landmarks (traditions) often have a shelf life. Sometimes, by the very nature of the case, they run their course. But each family needs a sense of landmarks; their own family traditions. Perhaps some of the ones you adopt will be similar to the ones we shared. Maybe not. But I hope you will never remove the real landmarks that identified you as a family.
Michal and I have come to realize the best is yet to be regardless of how long or short the rest of our lives on earth might be. With our 10th grand on the way (yea, Sarah and Ethan), we are flush with a new kind of joy and family dynamic commensurate with our time of life. We pray your family is in Christ and that you will do whatever is humanly possible to direct your children and your grandchildren, to the Savior. He is the one and most important landmark that must be maintained. Make it so!
Terry
A Shepherd's Heart 