Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Family life can get crazy, and it seems like the frenzy ramps up with each generation! I remember a simple life. School, homework, playing outside, board games, playing cards, TV, and family time. Kids would be in scouting, music lessons or play on a sports team during the summer, but that was about it. Sundays were made for God and family, and there was Mass, followed by a family-affirming activity (picnics, socializing, etc.) Businesses were closed.
What we’ve lost is the calm and connectedness. Now there is school, followed by multiple activities, many of which encroach into and dictate the weekends, separating family members while stealing away time. The family meal around the table, which used to be a given, has been squeezed out by competing schedules, and is too often replaced with drive-through, takeout, or meals eaten on the run. Now, there are two working parents trying to make ends meet. Parents become frazzled due to the double-shift of work followed by home responsibilities. Electronics (between phone, tablets, computers, television and streaming services) while helpful in some regards, can be anxiety provoking in other regards. In excess, they have replaced in-depth human conversation. No one planned this destination, but here we are! Look all around you and everyone is engrossed in something electronic! Change is in our hands.
Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile. Mark 6:31
The Lord never stops beckoning us. Are we hearing Him? If only we put as much effort into connecting with him as we do getting a good cell signal! Can you hear me now?!
Let us pray for a rediscovery of calm and connection, both with our family and the Lord.
Lord, frenetic nonstop activity and mindless preoccupation is the Evil One’s way of drowning out your voice, your peace, and your presence. Help us to be mindful of that. May we each do an inventory of our time spent with you versus other activities and make some hard but life-affirming choices for the good of marriage and family. Help us to plan out our time for conversation and connection, until it becomes a habit. May we seek quiet in a world so noisy one can hardly think. May your peace fill our souls, making us hungry for more. Help us to increase our family connectedness, through a “spring cleaning” of useless activities. Finally, may family life be one that glorifies you, versus us. Jesus, we trust in your never ending love and assistance!
The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose. Besides restful waters he leads me. He refreshes my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name.
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Pass it on, then put that electronic device away!
