Chronology–Who, When, Where, How

Go Back to Lesson 3.

 

A chronology is a list of historical events arranged in the time sequence in which they occurred. It is a very useful tool in the preparation of the history of an individual or a family; and it becomes in itself a valuable part of such a history.

 

Compiling a chronology causes you to seriously review your life; including big, medium size, and small events. It helps you be more historically precise and is a good kick off place for building on the details.

 

Add to your personal events world history, church history, local history, family history. Create a chronology map in a timeline format, listed on a page, or any creative method you like. Artists can have a heyday with this assignment, but for the rest of us a typewritten list can suffice, and prove to be very helpful. Some detail of explanation is important to add with dates.

 

That being said, I am of the opinion that every year of a person’s life is NOT necessary to make a complete personal history. I have glanced through histories that are merely diary entries. This is a chronology that has gotten out of hand, as far as I’m concerned. It is not necessary to build up your chronology by remembering absolutely everything. It is merely a tool, a springboard, a guide to use, to tell your story.

 

Use your chronology list to bring your life into perspective. See the whole picture and make decisions where to emphasize the areas of your life you want to draw out. It is also a slick way to compare the timing of events involving you throughout history. You’ll be able to see how life happened around you clearly.

 

Challenge:

 

Create your chronology, including world and church events. Be creative or pragmatic–your choice.

 

Go on to Lesson 5.