ReConnecting With Each Others

Over time, things in our families change.  There are some people that we are closer to now than we used to be.  Then there are those that we are not as close to as we once were.  Disconnection within a family can happen for a variety of reasons.  There are some people who just drift apart.  Everyone is now doing their own thing.  Someone takes a job in another state.  The activities of adulthood like working, serving the Lord, marriage, parenting, and being a caregiver have taken much of your focus and energy.  You are still cool with your family, you just aren’t as close as you used to be.  You have drifted apart.  To deal with the drift, you must be intentional about reaching out to family members.  Try scheduling lunch together, or a weekend road trip.  Worship together and share a meal after services. 

​There are some people within families who have grown apart.  You grew up and they didn’t.  They grew up and you are still trying to find yourself.  You are a Christian now, and the things that your relatives do just aren’t good for a child of God to do, so you grow apart.  When you are seeking to grow spiritually, family members may accuse you of changing, forgetting where you came from, or thinking you are better than others.  Humility, love, and focus are critical.  It is okay to admit that you are changing to be more like Christ.  This can help your family members understand why you are different.  If you are the one who that others are waiting on to grow up, it’s time to put away childish things.  Become the Christian man or woman that God has purposed for you to be!   

​Thirdly, some families that are disconnected because they have been torn apart.  Abuse, lying, infidelity, divorce, death, pride, abandonment, gossip, and mistreatment of others are some of the things that have ripped families apart.  People are taking sides.  Some are confused as to what to believe.  Others say they don’t have time for the nonsense.  If your family has been torn apart, look to God to touch hearts, heal wounds, and put the pieces back together.  Forgiveness, realistic expectations, and patience are critical.  It is also important to acknowledge when you have hurt others, and replace defeating habits with victorious practices.