Family Unique: The Big Question, by Rick Brown
Last day of school. Clocking out at work. Locking up the store. The
only thing on your plate is summer vacation and you're ready to devour
it. The big question is: "Where are we going?" Because until you answer
that question, you can't answer the rest:
* What clothes should I pack? A jacket for the Rockies or board
shorts for the Bahamas?
* What sights should I see? The Golden Gate Bridge or the Eiffel
Tower?
* How much money do I need? A few bucks for a nearby beach or a
"break the bank" budget for a lifetime adventure?
The way you answer those questions depends on how you answer the first.
The same is true for your family. The destination you plot for your
family will determine the answers to the smaller questions along your
life journey. Just as every family's vacation plans are unique, so is
your family unique. And for the best journey possible, you must begin
by answering the question, "Where are we going?"
Joshua did. He uttered these famous words as his family settled in the
Promised Land: "... choose this day whom you will serve ... But as for
me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:14-15 NIV).
Joshua was not only a leader of a nation: He was the leader of a
family. "Serving the Lord" would be his family direction that would
guide them in everything they did.
Can you say the same? Or are you just winging it the best you can?
Interestingly enough, we often put more planning into the family
vacation than we do into the family vocation. A vacation is the time
you take a break from something, namely work. A vocation is the special
function of an individual or group. It's who you are, no matter where
you are.
It's never too late.
How do you discover your "family unique"? Here are three suggestions
from Joshua.
1. Gather your family together.
If you're single ... less scheduling. If you're married, plan a
date night. If the kids are old enough, include them.
2. Discuss the options.
Joshua mentioned other "gods" that could be followed. You may want
to discuss different things that are important to your family. Just
like deciding vacation destinations, laying out the life options
will help in this decision too.
3. Declare your decision.
Finish the statement, "As for me and my house, we will ..." However
you finish it, declare it.
You may be thinking, "It's too late for me." "My kids are grown" or "We
are too far off course." It's never too late. Did you hear what Joshua
said? "... choose this day ..." Now is the time to decide. "Choose this
day."
When you do, you can begin packing your bags.
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(c) 2009 Rick Brown <rabrown0@gmail.com>
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200906/20090630_bigquestion.html
