HOW WE CELEBRATE LIFE | KAIROS GLOBAL | JANUARY 2022

Author: Dr Annilyn Sebastian

God created man for love, work, and leisure. It is very important to celebrate the special gift of life that God gave us, and the world God created for us to enjoy. 

We are a homeschooling family of 11, and we try to celebrate life as many ways we can within our own family as well as with others. Apart from our routine celebrations of birthdays, special feast days, and liturgical events, there are several ways we try to make this happen. 

As a family, we make many trips including two extended trips over about a week to different destinations each year, to enjoy the different scenic views, explore areas of historic interest, and relax in nature. We also make several day-trips or field trips to local areas. Besides relaxation, these are all great ways to strengthen our family bonds. Our trips in the past have included a wide variety of activities, including lakes, farms, birdwatching trips, beaches, mountains, skiing, kayaking, tubing, resort parks, pilgrimage sites, as well as a host of other activities. We usually take an annual membership each year to either the zoo or museum that we go to often as we are able. We also take an annual pass for state parks which we explore and go for nature hikes, camping trips, etc. 

Another way we try to celebrate the beauty of creation is simply from our own backyard, by watching the stars, moon and planets with our telescope; or understanding the complexity of life with our microscope. We encourage our kids to spend lots of time outside to develop a good appreciation for nature.  

We also celebrate life together with others outside our family. Apart from our JY gatherings and fellowship, we occasionally invite families over during traditional US holidays such as Thanksgiving or Independence Day, and spend time in fellowship.  We also come together with other homeschool families and enjoy our time together.  

God wants us to enjoy life as we go, and celebrate every moment in its awesomeness! By enjoying time with family, friends, and enjoying the wonders of creation, we will be doing exactly that!

Dr. Annilyn Sebastian,  an MD pathologist by profession, and wife of Dr. Anup Skaria, is currently a stay-at-home homeschooling mother of their nine children. They reside in Houston, USA.