Our Heavenly Family

by Deb Flynt

It's great when we get along with our families, but it doesn't happen all of the time. When we fight with family members, the outcome is often feelings of anger and rejection. Obviously there are both good and bad ways to deal with these situations. But regardless of the outcome, it's good to remember that we have another family -- a heavenly one -- who will always love us.

Family -- Friends and Feuds

Have you ever seen one of those families who seem to do everything together? They go to the same movies and same stores at the mall. They even listen to the same music and go to concerts together. They go camping and to church together.

It feels good when family interests overlap. A family that truly enjoys sharing interests and time together shows a two-way respect between parents and their kids (even if the kids are nearly grown).

It's a real blessing when family and friends all get along, but sometimes they don't see eye-to-eye. When a teen wants to do something with friends that a parent disapproves of, emotions can run pretty high. It's worse if it's because the parents don't trust the teen's friends (or if the teen thinks that's the reason). Anger and resentment can tempt a person to do things they know they shouldn't.

Family Relations

Even if we can't control how we feel, we can control how we react. Disagreements are a part of life. Talking out the matter will probably yield better results than storming out of the room. Even if the decision stands, it helps to know the real reasons behind it. Calmly asking a parent to discuss the reasons leading to a decision will help open (or keep open, or re-open) a two-way respect that is sometimes strained during the teenage years.

Unfortunately, there are some families who seldom get along. The kids and parents fight almost constantly, if they speak at all, and they never share their time with each other. It may even seem that all love is lost. But it could be a case of just not liking each other very much at that point. Parents rarely, if ever, hate their children.

Family Above

Our earthly families will always have their ups and downs, and we may even feel unwanted from time to time. But rather than lashing out and feeling hurt or angry, maybe we should try turning to our other family. Sometimes we forget that there is a family whose love we can always count on, even when we've had a fight with our own parents, kids, or sibs. No matter how angry we are, we have a loving Father who never forgets us; a Brother who will never leave us; and a Mother who prays for us constantly.

It's comforting to know that, in spite of all our faults and failings, our heavenly family will never give us a rejection notice.

Life Applications:

What obstacles stand in the way of being friends with family members?
How do you usually react when you're angry with your parents?
How can you help nurture a mutual respect between you and your parents?

Copyright 2004-2008 by Deb Flynt
All rights reserved.