Old photos and a chat about the generations

Photos, because of how they may evoke strong emotions, are usually kept for the last bits of personal effects to sort through. re: The Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. 

My mum passed away in 2022, and it's taken me this long to sort/look through my parents photos: black and white prints from their youth, photos from their life together, starting from 1973 onwards till 2000s when we switched over to digital cameras.   

Generational Wealth

I've been thinking about 'generational wealth' lately. Not merely in the dollar sense, but in terms of pooled family resources, which can include knowledge, experience, relationships, & networks. Perhaps instead of 'generational' it can be termed as 'familial' since majority of us are not sufficiently wealthy to ever fund the lifestyles of future generations. Yet 'generational' is appropriate because it acknowledges inherited wealth, and how that lays the foundation for wealth that is generated in this lifetime, and its compounding effect for future generations. The POV is saving for rainy days ahead and a sense of stewardship. It is also interesting that the bible considers wealth management an active and on going practice. The servant who was given little, dishonored his master by burying it in a field. Nonetheless, the bible warns against hoarding treasures here on earth. Conversely, we are encouraged to pool resources and share with each other 'as needed' and as we are able. 

Update: It has dawned upon me that NOT inheriting trauma is a form of generational wealth. A relatively calm and peaceful household, with lots of laughter mixed in with the tears is something to be very grateful for. 

Proverbs is full of wisdom on 'wealth'. Here are a couple of interesting ones related to 'generational':

Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations (Proverbs 27:23 - 24).

Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord (Proverbs 19:14) 👀

The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life (Proverbs 22:4).