My husband and I are away for a few days, and while he was busy with work meetings today, I went for a walk around the city, which I haven't visited since our two eldest girls were very little.
I remembered the last time I was here and had flashbacks of our little girls paddling in the playground pools as I walked around some familiar places. Today served as a reminder that time goes by very fast and how important it is to value the people and experiences we have in life.
As a family, we try and have traditions, like family nights, dinners, and holidays together. It's not picture-perfect- the kid's squabble is never quiet and sometimes a little crazy, but in amongst all the noise and hullabaloo, we are continually seeking to build strong connections and relationships with one another.
God loves family, and that also includes when we invite others into our families to share with us. It makes us bigger and better people because, let's face it, left to our own devices, we can all get a little set in our ways.
Today, take a look around you and give thanks for the people in your world, whether they are your immediate relatives or those you have adopted into your family and world. God has brought them into your life for a reason, and it's good to appreciate and be thankful for them. Here are some ideas to value your time together: • Make a plan to set aside time to spend together regularly. If you don't look for opportunities, the busyness of life will no doubt swallow the time up, so make an effort to make it happen. • Make traditions – they can be a good thing. Play games/sports together, find your favourite food or places to go and visit regularly. Have movie nights and particular shows you watch (even if it is over and over). Traditions, when done well, pull people together and remain a point of connection from generation to generation • Forgive – let grudges go and look to the future. Ask God to help you know what and how to move past hurts so that you can build something new. • Look at what you already have, not only at others' faults. People are flawed and, yes, fickle at times. Choose to focus on the positives and what you can relate to. Sometimes what holds us together may be just a thread, but hold onto that thread. I encourage you to take regular time to connect and be with those you love and care about. That way, you'll be building rich, healthy relationships, have great friends, and have far fewer regrets.
"Put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." (Colossians 3:14)
Prayer: Lord, please help me value the people and relationships in my life and make the most of every opportunity to enjoy the time we share. Please help me not focus on the negatives but look for those things that bring us together. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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