I spend a lot of time contemplating families and family life. There is so much irony that exists. Family members both rock the boat and can anchor the family at the same time.
Think of each family as a sailboat in the ocean of life. Sailing starts out as such a pleasant experience. Then a storm hits. Just when you think you have tied all the knots securely, over time, some become loose resulting in sails that take you way off your intended course. Suddenly everyone thinks that they are the captain, which can lead to being completely lost at sea. While the temptation at times might be to declare mutiny and throw the unruly members overboard, we intrinsically know that instead we are called to love. Love unconditionally.
In their distress they cried to the LORD, who brought them out of their peril, hushed the storm to a murmur; the waves of the sea were stilled. They rejoiced that the sea grew calm, that God brought them to the harbor they longed for. Ps 107: 28-30
Our compass in life must be Christ. He will help us navigate the seas of life, as He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We need to become beached upon His rock, our firm foundation. He is the gentle voice in the storm, if only we still our soul to listen.
Dear Lord, as the waves of family life ebb and flow, grant us the grace to be patient, love unconditionally, and allow you to shine your guiding light through us. May we provide life rings to all those family members who are being tossed by the waves. Keep them tightly tethered so that through us, they may see you, the hope of all salvation.
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Throw out a life ring. Forward to a friend.
