The Year of the Family

At least for me and my family.

Last night Sunnie and I watched the Masterpiece Theater version of "Jane Eyre." At first it could have seemed something of a sacrifice (even though neither team playing in the march to the Super Bowl is my favorite) but as we progressed I became involved.

It reminded me of the great gift of love God bestowed upon us when our story began. The details of that great love story are not for this page but last night a fresh breeze blew upon the fires of love for my wife. Our story rivals that of any literary masterpiece made, exceeds them all even if only for the simple fact that it is true. After 18 years together and a family and responsibilities, 2009 is the year we want fresh life and strength breathed into the love we share, the relationship that has grown stronger through the years but lateley not nurtured so much by me as before.

2009 is the year that family relationships between fathers and sons, and fathers and daughters will be set aright. 2009 is the year that daughters and mothers, and mothers and sons, will be put in right and loving place. What are our most important relationships? Those with our family must always be near the top of the list.

God Himself has placed us in the family. Whether I am the firstborn, middle or last was His own choice. Whether to be a son or a daughter was a question never posed to me. Nor a choice as to my parents or siblings. God Himself chose these people to be part of my life. He Himself is able and wanting to bring healing and fresh life and love into these relationships.

Forgiveness is a good place to start. They do not need to be forgiven, my family has wronged me in no way. Yet forgive I must. Forvigeness is a part of my new nature, as natural as breathing, out with the old, in with the new. Breathe in new life, expel that which has been used up. It is not so much that I need to forgive any particular thing, it is that I need to live with an attitude of forgiveness at each moment and instance of the day. I must let love only reign in my relationship with them.

My words must be governed by Love. How quick the retort, how sharp the tongue can be. My son Jack is three. He loves to look at my slowly growing collection of pocket knives. It is dangerous because they are tools and sharp, and he not yet skilled in handling them. How much more dangerous the sharp tool residing in my mouth. My family does not need my forgiveness, give them grace to forgive me. In 2009 I will allow the Holy Spirit to discipline me, may my tongue be governed by love. I will speak those things that are true and right, pure, lovely, admirable. They will hear me singing their praises. I will trumpet things about them which are excellent and worthy of praise. I will not whisper or even think upon anything else.

There must be more. How can the Holy Spirit do His work in us, in our family relationships? Forgiveness is His tool. Healing is His gift. Right words spoken in love His grace to us. How else does He work? In a myriad of wondrous ways He is full of abililty to change me into the man He envisions. And He has promised to continue this good work in me. May I be open and cooperative in 2009.

I have begun a study of Proverbs. I humble myself afresh. I open my ear to Your Word. With Your help I will listen as if my life depended upon it, as if the lives of my wife and children were at stake. I am not yet the man I see in your word, indeed at the moment feel so far from it. I know I have grown and can recount many victories you have done for me. I have placed my foot upon the neck of many temptations. Many accusations of the enemy against me have fallen, never to rise again. Many promises you have already fulfilled. But I hear the Holy Spirit saying to me that now is the time, this is the day, a supreme moment has arrived, and if I will yield to You, your good work in me you will heal and instruct my heart.

Yes, I am excited about 2009. I will become more like Jesus. I will be a force for good in my family. My wife will call me her great blessing and desire. My children will be grateful and proud that I followed my Lord wholeheartedly, learning to speak His very life into them and their future. I will be one who edifies and builds.

I am excited about 2009. As the better half of me said yesterday, Aslan is on the move.