My Godhi, Rod Landreth, was the first to say this to me. I don't know if its original to him, but I do know it made quite an impact on me.

"We live in Saga times, what is your Saga? Is it worthy of your children's children's children to tell about the fire?"

Its an interesting question to ask yourself. Once you've asked it, and honestly answered it for yourself...its an interesting question to revisit frequently. A worthwhile self-assessment.

Are you reading and learning about our native Folkway?

Do you teach your children about Heathenry?

Are you living heathen, and modeling a heathen way of life for your children?

Do you honor your Gods and Ancestors, and involve your children in you ways?

Are you maintaining and strengthening your marriage and your family?

Are you working as hard as you can at home, at work, and just generally in your life?

Have you taken the time to get to know other heathens in you area and region?

Do you gather with other heathens?

Are you a member of a kindred, and if not...are you working on finding or starting one?

Are you learning new crafts or new skills?

Are you practicing your existing crafts and skills as well as you can?

Do you live your life bravely and with honor?

Are you taking chances and making the effort to make worthwhile things happen?

Do you live a life that makes our Gods and Goddesses proud?

Do you live a life that makes your Ancestor's proud?

And back to Rod's initial question:

"We live in Saga times, what is your Saga? Is it worthy of your children's children's children to tell about the fire?"

Will your children's children's children tell stories of what you have done to protect and strengthen your family?

Will your children's children's children tell stories of what you have done to grow and advance your kindred or tribe?

Will your children's children's children tell stories of what you have done to advance our native Folkway?

In my estimation, we only get one chance at this life. We truly do live in Saga times. What will your Saga say?

Mark Ludwig Stinson