FAMILY

FAMILY

When you think of family what comes to mind?  Is it one of your Google+ circles, a taxonomic rank, relatives, a group of people connected by some common bond, or only a dream?  Perhaps a better question is, “What is the ideal human family?”  We are all part of at least one family—maybe more.  Each of us enters into a family by force (birth) or by choice (joined by marriage, cohabitation, or perhaps adoption). 

My ideal family was fostered by the old TV shows like “Father Knows Best”, “Lassie”, “The Partridge Family”, and “Leave It to Beaver”. (I realize I’m revealing my age here.)  The kids did outrageous things that got them into difficult predicaments, but the parents always came to the rescue and seldom used corporal punishment to correct them.  The natural consequences of the calamity and the family discussions became the corrective force or life lesson.  The shows presented good moral values with concern and respect for property, others, and themselves.

So for me the ideal family is a group of people who love one another unconditionally; give instruction and support to each other in good and difficult times; and share the fun, laughter, trials, and tears of life.

Whether you are in a family by force or by choice, you are an integral part of that unit.  You can be a positive or negative contribution to the health and welfare of your family.  Your thoughts, words, and actions make a difference in the interactions within that group and also in the way those outside your family perceive your family.   

“Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?” Prov. 20:11 NIV.   

As you become more independent and begin to create a family group beyond your parents, you can develop that ideal family. Your family can become what you want it to be.  Your relationships with friends will begin to do this.  Think about what kind of family you’d like to have, develop your own personal standards for yourself, and choose relationships with your “family” goal in mind.

I am so glad to have been twice adopted.  I was adopted by a loving family when I was only two days old.  They told me I was chosen and that made me feel very special, loved, and accepted.  Then I discovered that God had adopted me into His family.  Now that is really special!

 “. . . the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.  And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’  The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, . . .”  Rom. 8:15b-17a  NIV

So, what kind of family would you like to have?  How do you contribute to the family?

I’d be so glad to hear about your ideal family. 

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