Family Times

A long time ago, my children had a cute storybook they loved called Barnaby Frost.  Barnaby starts out on what he thought be a pleasure, but it turned into a project.  Along the way he learns a valuable lesson; he learns that he has to let go of the things that are for him "hang ups" and let God take control of the situation.  Our family has been having a wonderful time together. While standing in a checkout line today at Cracker Barrel the family behind me was not having such fun.  They grumbled about Grandma getting on their nerves. I have no idea where Grandma was, but I did feel relieved she didn't hear what was said about her. She had a few foibles to live with and they were counting down the days until she left.   Later I saw Grandma picking up a few things for the family, and I wondered how they will feel when Grandma is no longer around.

Families are not perfect, even among the best of us, we have little "hang ups"  things that annoy each other. We all wish things were a little different, or we think we will be better parents than our parents, a noble goal.  I chuckle now, because when my first son was born, I thought those thoughts. I want do be just a little better and do things in a better way spiritually for my family.  One evening as my mother rocked her newborn grandson, she said, "I know what you are thinking, Marsha. You will want to be a better mom and do things a little different for your family."

"No, Mama, I love you."  I did love her too, so how could I tell her that was true?

Mama smiled, and said, "I know sweetie, because I thought the same things when my first son was born."  We had a laugh over that.

Little things that annoy can turn into big things that block relationships.  I am learning that letting go of the things that  cannot change,  actually allows God to work.  It isn't easy to be sure, but I think it has rewards in the end. Only God can change a heart.  We can and should be a witness, God does the work.

When Barnaby learned to let go, everything was a pleasure again.  This Christmas season as we gather together to remember the birth of the Savior of the world, let us look at our families in the light of God's perfect love. One day our family will grow smaller.  Children marry, move away, and we cannot always see them at holidays or as frequently as we would like; the older generation goes home to be with the Lord forever.  Enjoy the time we have with each us and thank God for His perfect gift of sending his Son, Jesus Christ, to do what we had no power to do, save us, redeem us, and claim us for His own and by his resurrection He gave us victory over death to be in heaven forevermore.