I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. Who wants to promise to lose weight while still on a holiday sugar high? I need time to rethink my eating habits. However, there are two big changes that can make 2012 a better year for our families.
Carve Out Some Table Time.
Families are so busy that several days can pass without an unhurried conversation. I know the arguments:
“My kids are involved in activities. We can’t get to the dinner table at the same time.”
“We cannot pull ourselves out of bed early enough to have breakfast together. We do well to grab an energy bar on the way out the door.
If I told you that, statistically, family table time contributes to better grades, fewer teen pregnancies, decreased problems with drugs and alcohol, and less likelihood of run-ins with the law, would it suddenly seem worth the effort? It’s a proven fact that teens who regularly have dinner with their families have a high degree of protection from these problems. Why? A trusting relationship with parents is built as the family talks over meals. When tough times come, trust and relationships are invaluable.
Carve out some table time for your family, even if you must give up sleep to do it in the morning. You’ll discover big rewards.
Bring God’s Word to the Table.
Keep a Bible on the table. Unless you know God’s Word better than I do, you’ll need one with a concordance. Another great reference for family use is Nave’s Topical Bible. Nave’s lists Scripture topics by words that may not be in the Bible.
I suggest beginning with a devotional book for use in choosing Scripture to read. Most devotional books have a short passage of Scripture followed by commentary. There are books available for families that target specific ages of the children.
Another way to choose the passage for discussion is to use the Common Lectionary (listing available on the Internet). If your church uses the lectionary for sermons and Sunday school lessons, you get a preview of and an opportunity to discuss what you will hear on Sunday.
As a final option, a family can choose a book to read passage by passage from beginning to end. The Book of John would be a good starting place.
If you choose your own Scripture rather than using a devotional book, ask questions that are relevant to your family’s life such as, “What do you think this passage says to me about the problem I’m having with time management?” or “How does this passage address the bullying problem at school? What is Jesus calling us to do?”
Two Changes for a Big Difference
These are small changes that make a huge difference for a family. One builds relationship within a family. The other builds relationship with God. Both happen at the same time. How much time? A minimum of thirty minutes is needed for a meal together. The family will probably enjoy the benefits of their time together and linger longer.
Thirty minutes a day could make a difference for a lifetime. Consider these changes for your family, and 2012 might be the best year yet.
This post first appeared on Hale Center Insider’s website: www.halecenterinsider.com.
January 5, 2012 at 1:16 pm
I love this idea! After reading this post, I realize that I am still “spoon feeding” the Word to my kids. I read passages over the breakfast table as they sleepily and silently eat. At night, my husband leads our family in a devotional and prayer. Seldom do we encourage our kids to search the scriptures themselves. Thank you for the practical tools. Can’t wait to use them! I’ll let you know how it goes.
January 5, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Thank you, Teri, for your words. It’s great that your kids are getting spoon fed the Word twice a day. God’s Word will be written on their hearts when they need it. It would be good for them to begin searching the Scriptures on their own. If they must always rely on your searches, there’s no telling what hour of the night their calls from college will interrupt your sleep. Seriously, searching God’s Word is just one of the many skills our kids need in order to have a personal relationship with God.
January 10, 2012 at 1:39 pm
Here is a topic sure to provide weeks of digging in the word for our family: watch David Barton, Jan. 1, 2012, at http://gatewaypeople.com/sermons). Every American family MUST hear this message. I knew our nation was founded on the Word of God and prayer, but I had no idea the extent. This will make you want to fall on your knees in gratitude then rise up in action!
January 4, 2012 at 10:14 am
Thanks and God bless. Carole