Family Reunion

The Hackney Family just celebrated their 80^th consecutive reunion.   And no, I have not attended all 80, but Jo has been to 79 and Mom has been to 78 of them.  The reunions first began at the homestead in Pickton, Texas, to celebrate my great-grandmother’s birthday.  

Now, each summer, the reunion is held at a hotel in Texas.  Whoever is in charge chooses the location and makes the arrangements.  We thoroughly enjoy our weekend with family.  There is always lots of hugging, visiting, game playing, swimming, eating, and picture taking.  We are now into the 6^th generation of “cousins”.

Elizabeth was in charge of the 80^th reunion this summer and did an exceptional job.  She made a DVD with pictures from past reunions.  Family pictures were labeled with names and birthdates.  It also included the dates of death for those who are no longer with us.  Her father, George, narrated the presentation with stories about my great-grandparents, their history, previous reunions, and the spiritual heritage that has been passed down through the generations.  Time and again, he spoke on the importance of having a relationship with Jesus.  Now, six generations later, that is still an important part of our family story.  Elizabeth made DVD’s for each one of us to have to remind us of our family legacy.  What a treasure.

Another cousin, Jim, had his father’s reunion movies converted to a DVD.  It was amazing to see our relatives “in action” some 60 years ago.  And they ate, played games, visited, and took pictures…just like we do now.  The traditions have been passed down from generation to generation.

The 1^st and 2^nd generations have all passed away.  The 3^rd generation has fewer “cousins” now.  Whereas the 4^th and 5^th generations are going strong, the new 6^th generation is beginning to make its mark.  What a rich heritage.  May the importance of a relationship with Jesus continue to be a defining part of our Hackney Family history.

Psalm 22:30-31

³⁰ Posterity will serve him;
   future generations will be told about the Lord.
³¹ They will proclaim his righteousness
   to a people yet unborn—
   for he has done it.

Joel 1:2,3

 ² Hear this, you elders;
   listen, all who live in the land.
Has anything like this ever happened in your days
   or in the days of your forefathers?
³ Tell it to your children,
   and let your children tell it to their children,
   and their children to the next generation.