During the Celebration of Life I was witness to this last weekend, the family had created a wonderful video montage of their precious mother’s blessed life. While I was not fighting back the constant waves of tears and emotions, I was observing a perfect example of the American story played out in front of me. And I asked myself how I could create a life like this family had established. The main thing I know I want, I want my kids and my wife to always remain close, happy and involved.
The world will tell you that you should not be your kid’s best friend. I think that is bogus. For some reason we equate friendship with lack of discipline. Well for the family that I knew this last weekend, both son and daughter spoke of the friendship and bond they had with their mother. The daughter was especially close with her mother, calling her every single day, multiple times a day in some cases. The first adjective she used to describe her mother was her best friend. And both of these adults are productive members of society. They were very involved in high school with sports, the class population, their church, and somehow still found time to spend with each other. Their father worked for Florida Power and Light for a lifetime, creating stability for his family and a wise retirement for him and his wife. So watching their life unfold in front of hundreds of family and friends, I decided I wanted to build a life like the one before me.
Today’s nugget of advice is mostly for any parents out there, but as children, I also urge all of you reading this, if you are not extremely close to your parents, whatever the reason, maybe it is time to forgive and rebuild your relationship with them. As for me and my family, we are going to be best friends. My kids will always know right from wrong and they get punished when they do wrong, but they will always be my best friends. I want them to always call me when they are older and are in trouble, or just to say hi. To be my kids best friend I know that it will take a lot of hard work, but mostly it will take spending quality time together. My wife and I have committed ourselves to always taking family vacations together. We would love to have an “adult” vacation, but ever since our little ones blessed our lives, we just want to experience everything with them. And I think that’s extremely important to building a strong family. And, of course, keeping Christ at the center of the family is the most important. Staying in a church, being involved in that church, and hopefully building strong friendships within that church is crucial to all family members.
So here is today’s lesson and our recap:
- If you want friends, you have to be friendly.
- End every conflict with a slow dance.
- Establish a lasting friendship with your kids. Adult kids, do the same with your parents while you still can.
June 17
1Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. (Romans 13:1-5)
This is a hard pill for most of us to swallow, especially considering our current authorities in America. Do we allow ourselves to be subjected to proper authorities? Are we following the laws established over us? Are we living good lives or are we breaking laws and then fighting police when we are caught? Are we creating a society where we want to constantly do our own thing, break any law we want, but when we get caught we are the victim?
Believe me, I am no saint. I broke a lot of laws throughout my life. For some reason, I was lucky not to get caught in many of these crimes. I was never a “criminal” but I was never without blemish. But what I was always, what I always did, was subject to authorities when I was caught in my crime. Because I knew what was right and wrong, and when I was caught, I paid my dues.
Our justice system, despite what many see as still being unfair to certain classes in this country, is presently designed to protect the accused. Prosecutors have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed. So if you are ever falsely accused, there is a system in place to protect your freedoms, just submit to the proper authorities. If you want to change the world, become a world changer, the legal way. If you want your life to matter, live a life that matters. Become a leader in your community. Become a city leader, a county representative, a state representative, the President of the United States. You want to make change? Then change the way you make a difference.
Reading plan: 1 Corinthians 3, 4
Deeper reading plan: Psalms 134, 135, 136
Prayer and meditation: Pray for our country. Pray for love to conquer all. Pray that Christ infects our hearts and ignites a final fire of revival to sweep this land.
Fitness challenge: we’re on week three of our new 7 exercise challenge. This week we are up to 3 rounds of 21 reps each. And for that handstand wall-walk, let’s bump it up to ten reps! Get those shoulders strong!
- Hand-release push-up
- Single Leg Glute Bridge (21 each leg)
- Jumping Sumo Squats
- Handstand Wall Walk (up and down is one rep)x10
- Frozen V sit (hold each set for ten seconds)
- Reverse lunge with leg raise (21 each leg)
- Burpees
Common Sense Reborn 