Strong Families

Last weekend our wee son Daniel Caleb decided to make an early surprise appearance. What a wee blessing he is to us. That makes me the Father of five kids all of whom have been a great blessing to me. And God is true to His word that “Children are a gift from the Lord” Psalm 127:3 (nas)
Despite the pessimistic headlines announcing that the family is an endangered species; I refuse to sigh and give up hope. Who says “endangered” means doomed? If we’re ingenious enough to preserve the badger, the corncrake and the humpbacked whale, I’m convinced we can preserve the family. The “want to” is certainly there with a lot of us, especially in churches.
Professor Nick Stinnett launched a fascinating study some years ago. All sorts of questions were asked to families from many backgrounds, cultures, and countries. His research represented a wide range of the families of humanity. The goal very simply, to discover what makes families strong. Dr. Stinnett writes of his findings:
"All together, we studied 3,000 families and collected a lot of information. But when we analyzed it all, we found six main qualities in strong families. Strong families:
• are committed to the family,
• spend time together,
• have good family communication,
• express appreciation to each other,
• gave a spiritual commitment, and are able to solve problems in a crisis."
Look back over that list. There is enough there to talk about for months and yet its not rocket science actually it’s quite simple really. I think if I could sum it up in one phrase it would be, “Be Transparent”. No hidden agenda’s, no manipulation and putting the others first every time. Just as its manners to let someone through a door first so it is in family life. Giving ourselves away, loving when it’s tough and staying in there make “Strong Families”.