Culture or Coincidence?

Sure we can look at who we are and where we live and say that we have a culture. This is more obvious as we look at how we live compared to other people living across the world. But have you ever thought that your own family has created its own culture that exists within the walls of your home? Why are we the way that we are and how did we come to be this way? Is this family culture passed down or unique to each individual family?

As I thought about the culture of my own family, I see some significant aspects that make us who we are. One is our faith and religion. Both of my parents came from families that were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, so that faith, membership and belief is something that has been embedded into our family. Our religion was a priority in my parent's eyes and dictated how we lived our lives. This directly effected the kind of home I grew up in and in turn will effect the man I choose to marry one day.

Another aspect that defined my family culture was the value of work. My father grew up on a farm where he was taught to do his fair share of chores. He learned to work and do a job well done in order to help the family. This same work ethic has been passed down into my family. Although we did not grow up on a farm, we had chores to complete. I can remember several family work projects that included weeding the garden, cleaning the garage or painting the house. We also grew up with a family paper route that we were each expected to do our fair share to help with. I remember hating these work experiences in the moment, but now I look back on them with fondness because it made me who I am today and instilled in me a characteristic that I want my own family to have.

So is it culture or coincidence? What values are passed down and where do new values come from? What kind of culture will you create? I think that is the beauty of a family is that it can be rich with traditions passed down from generation to generation and at the same time be new and unique in how one family decides they want their family to be despite those who came before.