My family is drifting apart…
The pain of sadness stabs at your heart as you watch your family, as if in slow motion, go through the day glued to their screens with barely an acknowledgement of the others’ presence.
Even the dinner table is quiet after the initial clattering of plates meeting food. Each one went their separate ways, and you wonder how it got so bad.
You have nagged, yelled, and threatened – trying to get them to unplug and rekindle the family bonds that are so precious to you. Yet, it only seemed to backfire as the quiet turned to bickering, and you felt more than happy to just give in.
But only for a time.
The anxiety comes in waves. You fear that, instead of bonding, any attempt would create bitterness towards you and between them. Some days it feels easier to watch them drift apart, not do anything, and even hop on your own phone to numb the pain.
Don’t give in – don’t give up.
You can uphold the values that you have for your family, because if you don’t, no one will. As a mom and wife, this is one of your special callings. God won’t let you down – even when things look like they are going south. Continue on in obedience and trust in God’s plan for your family – God will take care of the rest.
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
It’s okay to want your family to experience one another and love each other, and it’s okay if it doesn’t always look perfect. Just continue on in obedience.
Obedience?
Obedience in this is discerning where God is calling you (upholding family values, aka strengthening family bonds), and taking the small, daily steps to get there (rescheduling outside activities, family meetings so everyone is clued in, setting aside screen-free times, etc.).
God will take care of the rest.
Where else may God be asking you to trust Him as you discern the next steps in your life?
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
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