Family

What is family? What is a family? Why are there families? Who needs a family?

These are important questions today. Too many do not have a family or one they want to call family.

I see family as a place of refuge filled with love and support. A place where you can talk about all kinds of things together and openly. A place where confidences can be shared and not retold. A place of care and provision. A place of beauty and rest…and peace. A place where meals, sustenance are prepared and shared. A place where everyone contributes some portion or category of work to help the family succeed.

Hold on a minute…!!!

‘My family doesn’t have all those ‘traits’!’ ‘Doesn’t even come close!’ ‘We don’t like each other most of the time.’ ‘Everybody’s gone and the place is a mess!’ ‘No one talks to each other, we hardly even see each other.’ ‘We don’t like the same kind of food either!’ ‘How come nobody helps out around here?’ ‘Just a whole lot of complaining!’

I understand where you’re coming from.

Why don’t you begin to start the change. You be the yeast in the bread, the catalyst in the glue. ‘I’ve already tried that and it didn’t work :(‘  Most breads don’t rise immediately. Sourdough takes days! Good wood glues don’t set up immediately either.

Families take time, change and adjustment. Lots of give and take; often somebody has to do more of the giving. Families take lots of communication.

No family is perfect. Don’t give up because yours is not. Look for little areas you can improve your family life. Keep your areas tidy and clean. Help another member with theirs. Surprise them with something they’d like. Ask what they’d like cooked or baked and then make it happen. Plan a time of togetherness with as many involved as possible. It doesn’t have to be long and drawn out…just be together…

Keep a good sense of humor. Begin small today…somewhere.