A tight-knit family gets to know one another
Fathers and children were brought together and a very simple test was given first to the children.
Most of them had no idea at all about how their children spend their free time nor did they know what their children likes and enjoyed. Even though they lived in the same house, they were strangers to their own children.
Charles Francis Adams, the 19th century political figure and diplomat, kept a diary. One day he entered: ‘Went fishing with my son today — a day wasted.” His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary, which is still in existence. On that same day, Brook Adams made this entry: ‘Went fishing with my father — the most wonderful day of my life!” The father thought he was wasting his time while fishing with his son, but his son saw it as an investment of time.
The greatest thing in all my life is to know you. We sing this to God with absolutely no problem but can we say the same thing to each one of our family members — ‘I want to know you!”
A tight-knit family has spiritual values
It is said that values are caught and not taught. Jesus said’ “I GIVE THEM ETERNAL LIFE.”
Different well-known personalities from the business world were present and several of them walked up to the podium to pay their tribute to the award winner. Finally the long awaited moment came and this man was invited to the stage to receive the award. A huge applause broke out; everybody in the hall was clapping except three people who sat with their heads bowed down and tears in their eyes. As that man walked on the stage he noticed the response of his family and stood by the podium with tears streaming down his cheeks as well he motioned the crows to stop their applause and he said, “I am it big in the business world, in the world of success but not without causing pain to those I love.” He went on to narrate how he had neglected his wife and children while he climbed the ladder of success. I appeal to every husband and father to never get busy working towards titles & trophies for these will sooner or later lose the glow without the applause of family & friends.
A tight — knit family has the bond of unity
You must have heard the old saying, “A family that prays together stays together.” It cannot be denied that there is great truth in this saying. When a family pursues common interests and purposes then they are strengthened in unity.
The relationship that Jesus and the Father share, and the relationship they extend to us must be to us, an example on of how we are to live as families. Tight knit families must be characterized by listening to one another, knowing one another, being obedient to Christ together, growing spiritually together, accepting one another unconditionally and sharing a common purpose together. That unconditional love can come only from His presence. Building a God fearing family requires patience, diligence and an understanding of God’s design for the Christian family as set forth in the Bible.
Esther Murry
Co-ordinator
Women Ministry, AGEI
