In 1609, he began building telescopes and making spectacular discoveries about the universe. Galileo was a Christian who believed that God’s world and God’s Word were both valid objects of study. Using one of his telescopes, he even showed Pope Paul V some of his discoveries. But he was attacked by the church, because his discoveries contradicted traditional teaching.

In 1632, when he was 70 years old, Galileo was called before the leaders of the Inquisition to answer charges that his writings violated church teaching. The old scientist was forced to read a statement renouncing his views – especially his observation that the earth moved around the sun. Legend tells us that after he read his recantation, Galileo muttered, “E pur si muove” – “But it (the earth) moves after all.”

Please understand that I am not condemning the church. If I were, I would have to condemn myself even more. The older I get, the more entrenched I am in “TRADITION!” In fact one of my favorite movies is “Fiddler on the Roof”. My family would tell you that I am just like Tevia – sticking to my traditions to the very end. But I have to remember that traditions are for legacies. Traditions are for developing character in us. Tradition is what makes history books and underscores the foundations for the new ideas and practices of today. Fear to break tradition also holds back change and progress.

Today, don’t be like me! Don’t allow tradition to dictate everything your child can or cannot do. I’m not talking about fundamental principles like honesty, integrity, respect and honor. I’m talking about social traditions. A teacher from Canada recently told me of a new way schools are evaluating both the school’s effectiveness in teaching as well as the child’s comprehension. Some teachers are fighting the change because tradition is safe. This week, lets be parents who honor traditional, God given values but encourage radical change.

None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect.  As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.