The talk has started around the process of ‘re-opening’ the country. A proposed ‘Phase 1, 2 and 3’ has been passed on to the states for their consideration to help get the wheels back under the economy. In turn, cities and counties are assessing risks at the local level and beginning to ease some of the ‘lockdown’ guidelines. What is next?
I do not envy the leaders making decisions based on ever-changing models. In contrast, dads and moms have very solid models to reference: Before Covid, 'BC' – When we let demands of work, travel and kids’ activities inhibit family time; and, During Covid, 'DC' – When lockdown, ‘idle-ness’ increased family time but introduced other stressors. Next is New Perspective, 'NP' – When all have an opportunity to change old routines as the previous models are reviewed and evaluated. The charge is to learn from the 'BC' and 'DC' experiences, embrace ‘NP’ as a family and step forward to be a better Kingdom influence in this world.
“This is My Son, Whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” - Matthew 17:5. Peter, James and John witnessed the transfiguration which they construed as an anointing of Jesus by His Father to be the new king. From a worldly perspective, it was time to conquer the Romans. Then … Jesus said, “It is finished.” - John 19:30. Their King was dead. And now they may be targets of the Roman and Jewish leaders. Lockdown time. Then … Jesus said, “Do not hold on to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to My father and your Father, to My God and your God.’” - John 20:17. He is risen! What is next? Do the disciples go back to their life before Jesus? Do they stay in lockdown? Or do they embrace the new perspective the risen Lord offers them and live quite a different life as brothers of Jesus the Christ? The disciples embraced ‘NP’ to the full and stepped forward to be a Kingdom influence in this world.
Preparing for What is Next:
- As a couple, discuss the good, bad and the ugly of your routines ‘BC’
- As a family, expand the dialogue around routines with the kids ‘BC’
- As a family, candidly discuss challenges or increased stress experienced ‘DC’
- As a family, list positive experiences or any faith component surprises ‘DC’
- As a couple, discuss how your marriage has been impacted by the ‘DC’ time
- As a family, expand the dialogue around how the home has been impacted ‘DC’
- As a family, discuss any new perspectives that can be gleaned from ‘BC’ & ‘DC’
- As a couple, discern what is next, what New Perspective the family can embrace that will strengthen all to be a better Kingdom influence in this world.
Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for Your word and for the glimpses of Your glory we have witnessed as a couple and as a family through this time. I confess that ‘BC’, I was caught up in “the pattern of this world” (Rom.12:2) at the expense of family time. Forgive me. I have enjoyed the way family relationships have been nurtured through ‘DC’, relationships I took for granted. I embrace ‘NP’ to the full. Help me disciple my family to keep worldly influences in check in order to be a better Kingdom influence in this world. That is the dad You call me to be, and that is the dad the next generation needs. Amen.
A faithful father embraces ‘NP’ and steps forward as a Kingdom influence in this world.
The talk has started around the process of ‘re-opening’ the country. A proposed ‘Phase 1, 2 and 3’ has been passed on to the states for their consideration to help get the wheels back under the economy. In turn, cities and counties are assessing risks at the local level and beginning to ease some of the ‘lockdown’ guidelines. What is next?
