Life is Finite
We got a limited amount of time here on Miðgarð to build reputation and to do things, to accomplish. I want to do the best and the most that I possibly can with the time I have left for our Gods, for our Folk, and for the AFA to move Ásatrú forward. — Allsherjargoði Matt Flavel
This time of year, I often reflect on the past and look to the future. Am I living the life my ancestors would be proud of? Am I living a life that sets an example for my descendants?
Happy the one who wins for himself Favor and praises fair; Less safe by far is the wisdom found That is hid in another's heart. — Hávamál, stanza 8
Let me tell you about my grandmother. My mom became pregnant with me in 1970. A time when being a single mother was just not done. Being the oldest of 9 children, my mom decided to tell her parents she was going away to college. She returned a year later with me in tow. Although it seems impossible, I have a vague memory of waiting in a car and seeing a pretty lady run down the steps of the house we were parked outside. She embraced me and treated me as her youngest daughter. From that moment on, we had a special bond. Eventually my mom moved out of her parent's house and married a honorable man who adopted me as his own. I still spent almost every day by my grandma. She was a wonderful woman, who taught me how to cook for an army and respect traditions. She was a child during the Great Depression, so she had a firm understanding of what was important, what truly mattered. For her, it would always be family. As a teenager, I went through a stage of rebellion against my parents....just as most teenagers do. I ran away and lived on the streets of Indiana. One day I was tired, running out of cash, and wanted to be home; so I took everything I had left and bought a bus ticket back to Wisconsin. I got off the bus not sure who I was going to call or where I was going to go. Right there in front of me was my grandma. I was shocked and broke down. She brought me to her house and I lived with my grandparents for a bit. One night, I asked her how many times she had gone down to the station to see if I was on a bus and she told me, just the once because she knew I was coming home. Eventually I would go back to my parent's house, but that bond with my grandma continued. She even knew I was pregnant with my first son before I did. I was with her when she passed. She was amazing and will never be forgotten. She took her role as matriarch of the family very seriously. Setting the example for nine children, thirteen grandchildren, thirty-one great grandchildren, ten great-great grandchildren, and growing.
This is the example I am striving for in life. In what I am sharing with my grandchildren about our family's history and traditions so they can continue with their own children and grandchildren. In my role as a Priestess of the Æsir and a Gyðja of the Asatru Folk Assembly with my purpose to serve both the Folk and the Gods. Every step leaving a strong foundation for the future well beyond me.
Remember. Our culture and heritage cannot be sold. Do we know what riches we own that are a part of us? As future ancestors, is our life reflective of what we want future generations to know us for and emulate? Courage, Truth, Honour, Fidelity, Hospitality, Discipline, Industriousness, Self-reliance, and Perseverance. Strive for living a life that not only honors your ancestors but imparts wisdom to your descendants. Keep moving forward with right action for future generations.
Reflect on where you are in life and strive for better.
Hail the Æsir!
Hail the Folk!
Hail the AFA!
Gyðja Sara Ault
~ From The Runestone, October 2026 ~
