Joshua said, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house (family), we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). Let’s compare some marriages to broken, fractured or mended bones. Some marriages are broken and cannot be mended as they waited too late for help. Some are fractured but can be mended with proper care. Some have had a broken or fractured marriage but are now restored. Which describes your family: broken – fractured – mended?
First, know that all marriages have some problems. Can you point to one perfect marriage? Then why should you be an exception? I often say, “Good marriages are built on problems that have been solved.” Don’t forget your vows. I ask couples, “Are you both willing to adjust to Bible principles?” It is a choice. One man said, “No.” I said, “I am sorry I cannot help you.” You cannot help people who do not want help.
Also realize the Lord, Scriptures, prayers, and church need to be a major part of your home. Now if you are willing, let’s proceed with some suggestions. Let’s learn as Joshua, “This is my family.” No one is independent or more important than the other. Each one is different, but all belong. All without exception need unconditional love. You need them and they need you. No one else can take your place.
Seek what is best for family, not just you. Pray together. Have fun together. Look beyond problems and see the person you love. Be part of the solution, not the problem. Learn to love and forgive as the Lord loves and forgives you. Be the first to forgive and restore relationships. Attack the problem and not the person. Learn to listen to each other.
One girl said, “My dad listens but he never really hears me.” The best thing you can do for your children is love their mother. Let your children, no matter their age, know you are “there” for them. Life will change, but good family memories will remain. Your family needs you more than anything else you have. The best things in life are not things, but people. Don’t love things; love people. You may live in many houses but your home will always be your family.
The saddest word is “alone.” The best word is “together.” So we can make it because together, “We are family.” No matter how far you may roam, there is no place like home. This is my family and I love us! Learn you cannot change others, you can change yourself. Seek to make the days ahead the best you have ever known. Joshua made his choice. What is your choice?
Timely Thought: Let go of the past – Accept the present – Have faith in the future – TC
