Honestly, the topic of this issue, “Healthy Families,” is
not a personal, strong area of ministry. While the subject has been the focus
of Married Couple’s Retreats, pastoral sermons, and some special speaking occasions,
it remains less studied and pursued than many others. So, instead of writing
about a theoretical context from someone else’s perspective, please take a few
moments to read what it would be like to come over to our house and visit for a
while (emphasis on “a while,” because
you don’t want to wear out your welcome!
Our house is reflective of who we are. It is not pretentious
but designed on function. It is casual and relaxed. There are no works of art,
but plenty of family photos. Our house centers on our family. The timeline of
years gone by bring back precious memories and delightful stories. Our 4-year-old
granddaughter, Baylee, was looking at family photos and asked her dad, “Dad,
why did you wear those great big glasses?” She was looking at me and thought it
was Eric. Some of the photos in our house need updated.
Our house is designed for conversation, with several sitting
areas. We like to dialogue, a fancy word for talk! We like to discuss ideas,
concepts, take positions, and try to prove our points. For some, this would be
arguing, but in our house it is sharpening the mind and seeking better thinking
skills. Chassity (Eric’s wife) seldom joins in these family discussions. Josh
(Michelle’s husband) fits right in.
Our house has two tables, for eating and playing games, two
of the most important things in life. Our family traits score high in
competition, and “ruthless” would describe most of us when it comes to board
games. OK, cutthroat? The competition seldom gets out of hand, but is
indicative of people who are passionate and driven. We like to be together and do life together.
Our house is reflective of our loyalty. It is easy to see
our faith in Jesus Christ by the symbols of our faith. A copy of The Pentecostal
Messenger usually adorns the coffee table. Yes, Arkansas Razorback
memorabilia can be seen in the family room. No matter how bad the team, our
hearts remain steadfast and unmovable. There
is always next season.
Our house is our sanctuary, an escape. It is a sacred place
to us where we shut out the things of distraction and focus on what really
matters most—each other. It can be quiet most days with the rich aroma of fresh
ground dark roast coffee filling the air, and loud when we are all gathered for
a family event.
The thing I love the most about our house is that the focus
is always outward, on someone else. It is the guest being hosted, the friends
visiting, or the grandkids playing that is the focal point. The priority of our
house is serving. Hopefully, serving is the focal point of our life. Hopefully,
your house sees that eye to eye.
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