Kevin grew up in a violent alcoholic home. The arguments were many, often erupting to the point where his mom would load up the kids in the car and drive around until his dad fell asleep. Other times his mom would have to call the police and he would watch his dad be subdued by the officers, handcuffed and put in the patrol car. His mom’s resolve in marriage was impressive but the family life was not healthy. He assumed all families struggled like this.
One summer, Kevin’s uncle, aunt and their five kids passed through the Midwest on a train trip that started in southern California and would eventually take them to Michigan. When they stopped in his home town, everyone was train sick but they still appeared to be having fun together. Over the two day visit, Kevin witnessed his uncle and aunt hugging each other and the kids joking with each other. There were never any arguments or fights. He wondered if this is what a real family looked like.
Be Family: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, … ‘ So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.’” – Genesis 1:27-28. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24. “Has not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit they are His. And why one? Because He was seeking godly offspring.” – Malachi 2:15. The foundation for family goes back to the beginning. God established relationship with man, extended that relationship between male and female, and perpetuated that relationship through godly offspring. Family is grounded in the Father through relationship with Jesus the Christ. That relationship is to be lived in marriage and in turn passed on to the next generation.
Kevin came to the conclusion that the family visiting that summer had it right. Having attended seminary as a young man, his uncle had a solid relationship with the Lord, he lived that relationship daily in his marriage and reflected it in family. The thing that really stuck with Kevin was that his uncle did not claim to be a perfect father though he sure looked like one. He simply stayed focused in relationship with the perfect Father and did his best to emulate His example in the marriage and family he was blessed with. Kevin committed to breaking the cycle of alcoholism in his family and to building on the example of his uncle and his Heavenly Father.
Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for the example provided early and often in Your word on marriage and family. Thank You for reconnecting through Jesus the Christ the relationship that got disconnected in the Garden of Eden. Help me grow in relationship with You and in turn learn to live that relationship in marriage and reflect it in family. I know You are the only perfect Father. As I stumble in my efforts to emulate You, guide me in leading my family in their own personal, passionate relationship with You. Guide me through the noise in this world, protect me from evil, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
A faithful father focuses on relationship with the Father in marriage and family.
