Family: Our Treasure

Chuckle: "Mom, there's a man at the door collecting for the Old Folks Home. Shall I give him Grandma?"

Quote: "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy one is unhappy in its own way." --Leo Tolstoy

 

"How happy are those who fear the LORD -- all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How happy you will be! How rich your life! Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing in your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees. That is the LORD's reward for those who fear him. . . May you live to enjoy your grandchildren" (Psalm 128:1-4, 6 NLT).

As I grow older, my family members become more and more precious to me -- both my extended family as well as my immediate family. Last week, some members of our family came together in Jasper, Arkansas to enjoy a time of fun, food, and fellowship. This annual event has become a wonderful time of sharing life's experiences, recalling precious memories, and strengthening the bonds of love between us. We hope to have even more family members with us next time.

In our society, family members are often scattered over great distances and it is increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to bring all of them together, except perhaps for funerals. As I conduct funeral services, I often remind family members that life is brief and they should never pass up an opportunity to come together and express their love for one another. Failure to do so can bring lingering feelings of guilt and regret after a loved one passes away.

We know it is God's plan that the family be the building block for society. He instituted the family in creation and even saved Noah's family unit when He destroyed life on the earth with the great flood. Strong godly families make strong churches, communities, and nations. I think we all agree that the rapid disintegration of the family in our society contributes to all sorts of social ills. As Christians, we should be faithful to heal and protect our family relationships in ways that bless one another and honor God.

Family fulfills the human need for love, companionship, and procreation. It is also the setting within which our religious faith is nurtured through the examples and teachings of parents and other relatives. Family relationships do not remain warm and close automatically. They must be nurtured through love, communication, family worship, conflict resolution, and even healthy friendships outside the family. I hope you see your family members as your greatest treasure, and I encourage you to never pass up an opportunity to let each one of them know how much you love and appreciate them. We never know when we will do so for the very last time.

Love, Jerry & Dotse