Let me start this series by expressing my hope that your Christmas celebration was a time of great blessing and joy for you and your family. For the next 12 weeks we will be talking about achieving victory as a family. If you are “home for the holidays,” it is likely that you have spent (or will continue to spend) some significant time with your family and loved ones.
We all wish for our families to be strong. Families ultimately matter a great deal to us. Whether it be our spouses, children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, in-laws or other extended family members, the holidays remind us how much these relationships matter. Maybe more important, when our family is struggling, the holiday is a very sore reminder of this reality.
During the Holidays, many of us reflect on the “Hallmark Christmas.” You know what I mean, don’t you? The Norman Rockwell portrait of that family that is having an absolutely wonderful time? Although we should never compare our family to these types of portraits, these images fascinate and compel us to imagine what our own families could be like. I mean, wouldn’t it be great if somehow we could experience the kind of closeness, warmth, and support of the classic “All-American” family?
Many families in our culture have unfortunately become frustrated or maybe even given up the goal of finding fulfillment in their families. Many more, will continue to reach out for help as they face significant challenges.
At Christian Counseling Associates, we are committed to helping families find the “secret” to a strong foundation and success in raising up families. We know that one of the primary indicators of any emotional problem, whether it be divorce, depression, anxiety, addiction, or otherwise – stems from dysfunction in the life of the family.
Unfortunately, many families that may seem to be healthy to outsiders, upon an honest examination are on the verge of crisis (or in active crisis already). Over the years, our staff has had a great opportunity to provide counseling and support to many families as they deal with significant life struggles. I can attest to the epidemic that families face: disconnection, chaos, separation. At the same time, I have witnessed the passion of the clients that we serve. When the leaders of a family can recognize the impending crisis, they will do almost anything to find a solution.
Let me encourage our family leaders. Finding the “victory” in your family is possible. With God’s help, we can make our families great. We can assume the role of leading the family through today’s culture, with the values and beliefs that will transform the way we relate to each other. Over the next 12 weeks series, we will look at family values, parenting skills and techniques, and action steps that can strengthen the family. Along the way, this series will provide self-reflection tools that will help identify areas of need, and lead to crucial decisions that need to be made to accomplish life goals.
Leading a family is the most important role that one can take on. Whether you are a mother, father, son or daughter – you can contribute to the strength of your family. If you are single, or currently without children, keep in mind that the church community can become your family experience. Making the decision to make family a priority is available to everyone.
Finding victory and fulfillment in family living means setting priorities. Over the next several weeks we will article on this topic. For now, let me recommend a resource, a companion guide to our series: “Lead Your Family Like Jesus” by Ken Blanchard, Paul Hodges, and Trisha Goyer. Many of the concepts outlined in the upcoming weeks will reflect and reinforce information from this important resource.
Finally, victory and fulfillment in family living means seeking a new perspective on a daily basis. This is a momentous task, and we are going to need God’s help. Focus on this truth:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6.
If you are starting out on this journey (or re-committing), seek God in prayer daily regarding the action steps below:
Action Step:
Throughout this series, focus and reflect daily on the questions below. Consider writing these reflections in a notebook or journal.
How well am I managing the daily life of my family?
- If I rated my performance, on a scale of 0 – 10, where would I be today.
- What are the situations that would lead me to rate my performance this way?
What can I do today to make my family better?
What can I do today to introduce something vital and fulfilling into the life of my children today?
What can I find that is praiseworthy and good in each of my family members today? (spouse, children, extended family members)
- How can I creatively express this to each of these people today?
Looking Forward:
Next week we will focus on the first factor in victorious family living. Also, remember that our Marriage Enrichment Weekend – “From This Day Forward”, can be a first step in re-prioritizing your family and making and investment in your most important relationships. As we look forward to 2014, would you join me in making your family your New Year’s Resolution. Let’s make investments that will last forever. Let’s invest in those we love.
