Everyone has problems that need to be solved. It’s the nature of our world. Sometimes the issues are created from
circumstances beyond our control, other times, problems are created from bad
decisions made.
A friend of mine, who seems to have
the “perfect” family shared that while she is blessed with three wonderful
children, five grandchildren and a wonderful extended family through her
in-laws, she still grieves from time to time.
Her oldest child has a mental illness.
This disease has caused him to make some remarkably bad decisions
causing distress for himself, his parents and even occasionally, his
siblings.
She said, “Just because a person wears
a smile on their face, is pleasant and agreeable, doesn’t mean their world is
perfect and without heartache. There are
times during the year when our family comes together and Jake isn’t here. It’s times like this when I just don’t feel
complete.”
Family gatherings for most of us are
fun and pleasant. There are picnics and
theme park gatherings, roller skating, baseball games, weddings and any variety
of occasions. Even when things seem
right, however, sometimes judgments are made about others and even family members. Occasionally the judgments are inaccurate, or
regrets are shared due to circumstances others were inadvertently involved in.
The point is, as families and Believers in God, none is
exempt from heartache. It comes in a
variety of ways. Today is Memorial Day and there is loss across the nation felt in many homes from those lost in battle. This causes a unique heartache and pain. But it might also be, mental
illness like my friend, or bad choices which are unlawful, or some other kind
of malady that causes pain.
It doesn’t
matter, what the circumstances, we are still family. It takes each person within the family unit
to complete the circle. When part of the
family is missing for any reason, there is an emptiness; a void that cannot be
filled in any way, even when there is a unified effort to pretend all is “well
with the world!”
As parents we can try to ignore the
sadness; act like it doesn’t matter, but we know it does. It grieves our heart when there is any kind
of separation. All we really want is to
gather our loved ones to us once again, make everything bad that’s happened go
away and live like we did when our children were small when a kiss and hug would
make everything alright again.
So I challenge you to take stock of
your family; of your personal situation.
Are there conditions you can change that would right a
relationship? Is prayer and forgiveness necessary
or needed? Is there reason to accept an
illness or other circumstance beyond your control that would ease tension for
yourself and others within your family network?
Our lives are challenging at best and are happier when our hearts are
not broken or otherwise grieved. What
can you do to better a relationship this next week?
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