I recently took a day trip from my mother-in-law’s in Omaha to southeastern South Dakota. I tracked down the gravesite of my grandparents (see left), my great-grandparents, and other family members. I also found the old homestead three miles outside of the small, rural community of Chester, SD. I very much enjoyed the day of exploration of family heritage and the land.

While land is an important heritage in farming communities, an even more important heritage came to mind as well. The faith heritage passed on by my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so many others is essential to who am I and to the certain hope I have in salvation through Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that this heritage was passed down through both sides of my family. And for those of you who did not have that faith tradition shown through your family line, we all can be thankful that the Holy Spirit continues to be active and alive, drawing us to God and saving faith.

My faith heritage is primarily German Lutheran, with the Black name being the exception. That part of the family tree comes through a Congregationalist and Methodist tradition. Nonetheless, ancestors from each tradition have instilled, through the work of the Holy Spirit, faith in the true God of the universe. It is this heritage that I was reminded of on my visit to South Dakota, and this heritage that I celebrate.