A Family That...

A Family that Plays Together, Stays Together

One wonderful benefit of having a large family is that you always have plenty of people for playing any kind of game. Board games, team sports, charades, etc...anything goes. Do you play games with your family? Do you like it or do you participate reluctantly?

If you prefer to send the kids upstairs to play a game while you watch television, or if you let the kids go play football with the neighbors while you clean your house, consider trying something different and see how it goes. Join in the fun and make some memories that will last.

One thing I've learned is that the time goes so fast--way too fast. I look at my one-year twins and my 17-year old, and it becomes all too clear just how quickly the time passes. I can promise that when your kids are grown and out of the house, you'll never say, "Boy, I wish I hadn't wasted all that time playing Monopoly with my family when I could have been folding laundry instead."

A Family that Prays Together, Stays Together

"Again I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or more come together in my name, there I am with them" (Matthew 18:19-20, NIV).

Another benefit of having a large family that there are more people on your team. More people to gather together in the name of Jesus. More people to share your burdens and lift up your needs. More people for you to pray for and with. 

There is no greater tool for uniting a family than to pray for each and to hear yourself being prayed for by the people you love and trust the most.  I assume that you do pray hard and often for your kids, but do they ever have the privilege of listening in to those prayers as you lift them up to the throne? Kids love to hear their name in prayer...so do husbands.

I challenge you to take time each day for a month to pray with your family. Share your prayer requests with each other. Be an example of praise, thanksgiving and petition to your kids. Let them learn from your example of faith and trust in Jesus.

A Family that Stays Together, Stays Together

Sometimes, things don't always go as you planned. Life as a large family isn't always as great as it sounded when plans were being made. The financial challenges, the scheduling conflicts, the chaos in the home--they're all reasons that cause stress in a marriage and are potential fodder for arguments. Sometimes those little disagreements, disappointments and frustrations are enough to drive a wedge between a husband and wife.

It's vital that you purpose in your heart to keep your family together--no matter what it takes. Hard times pass and become a dim memory. The green grass on the other side of the fence turns brown in the winter just like yours does. And, what upsets you now will likely become a fond memory when these days are long past and you wish for them back.

Play together, pray together and stay together. It sounds cliche', but they really are words to live by...and I hope you do.