3:348 – Making Time For Family Is Important

#faithbites #faithjourney family

Setting

By any measure, 2020 is a weird year. We’ve experienced many loses and overall changes to our routine. Often, we focus on the negative parts and not the benefits that could happen.

Today we had a Zoom Christmahanukka with my family. (Some celebrate Christmas, some Hanukkah). I was apprehensive about it, but it turned out fun. We played games, joked, opened presents, and had time together. Was it the same family time you would have in person? No. But in our case, no one got hit. Ha. The good thing was my brother and his family in California could join in on the action and we were in one place. Fu. Was had by all.

Sure, this year isn’t what we wanted in most cases. Sure, family time is different and limited. It’s up to us to understand God’s purpose and plan for family and figure out ways to keep the connections strong.

What are you doing to be safe AND make time for family?

Scripture

• Colossians 3:18-21 – 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. 20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged
• Galatians 6:2 – Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Reflection

The family is at the core of biblical teaching. God wants us to honor our parents, love like brothers, and train up our children. He designed us to share our burdens. Likewise we are live in communion with one another.

It’s not easy with COVID-19. We have to be creative. Remember, family is forever. Keeping those bonds strong pay dividends in the future. Sure, I fought with my brothers like cats and dogs, but I know they would do anything I asked if I needed it.

We made tough choices this year to avoid large family gatherings. It sucks because of how important keeping the bonds strong are. But, we will be creative and seek God’s guidance on how to stay connected no matter what.

Challenge

What is one thing you are doing to keep your family safe AND keep the bonds of family strong? Share that. Help us all pool our resources to stay connected and strong.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for my biological and communal families. I don’t know what I would do or be without them. Lord, many of us are struggling in the balance between being with family and keeping each other safe. Help us to find the balance that is right for us. Keep us healthy, safe, and connected. I know this balance is different for each family and person, help us to be open to you, your word, and your will as we make decisions that support your plan. Lord, we pray all these things in your name, Amen.