What is a stick?

Good morning, Five Minute Families. How was it tumblin’ out of bed this morning after a long, relaxing weekend? If it is anything like our house, this week is going to seem longer than a four-day week, that’s for sure. But, alas, we will all find the effectiveness and helpfulness of our alarm clocks soon enough. The discipline of using that tool wisely will help our families have discipline, too. Speaking of tools, please listen to this comparison Jim was discussing earlier this week with our own family.What is a stick? On the ground, it seems fairly useless. In the hands of a person, though, it has multiple uses. Somewhat limited by the creativity of the one who holds it, but many possibilities!What is a hammer? A more complex object than the stick, and, truly defined as a tool. In the hands of person, the hammer is advantageous. It can build up or tear down. It can put together or take apart. It requires other objects to be fully beneficial; other materials fastened together through the use of the hammer.What is an impact driver? Now we are getting more complicated. Many parts are working together. More work can be done. How does an impact driver work? Rotation powered by impact. Forward or backwards. Clockwise or counterclockwise. Powered by energy. Connected to the power source. Charged and ready.So, what does that have to do with us, Five Minute Families? Well, who are we? Who are we human beings? If we start in the beginning, Genesis 1:27 says, “God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.” We are the image of God. Those we interact with are also the image of God. We are not simply like the sticks in a forest just existing, and we are much more complicated than the impact driver in our workings and possibilities.But, just as the stick, hammer, and impact driver can do nothing without the skill of the handler, we need to understand that when we connect to our power source and allow the Master craftsman to use us for His glory, we find our purpose.One universal truth is that everyone has family in its many various shapes and sizes. Coming off this Labor Day weekend, some families spent their time gathered together, playing, laughing, and loving each other well. Some families are functioning well, letting God’s Word guide them to build each other up and see each other’s worth; other families, unfortunately, are struggling. Some family members this past weekend spent a lot of time alone. Some families are estranged or dysfunctional; they may be distracted or dismayed; families may be fractured or they may be extremely small so they seem lonelier than others. However, we were ALL created for relationship, and in the hands of Master Craftsman, we must seek to repair our families.So, how do we honor each other as well encourage seeking our usefulness and purpose God created in each of us? Here are five suggestions:Focus on prayer.Some family members will refuse to pray together, so you may need to start on your own. Meal time is always a great opportunity to pray. And let your family know you are praying for them.Be the more mature.Even if you are the younger or not in a “traditional” role as leader, you should seek God’s wisdom in all situations.Seek to encourage.It’s almost easier to tear down when others fault. An old principle is: praise in public, reprimand in private.Pursue connection.What holds the other person’s interest? Seek conversations and participate with the person in that activity (as long as it is safe and not dishonoring.)Love above all things.We often love as we want to be loved. Love seeks to know the other person and see what love they need. Love them as God loves - where and how they are right now, not where and how you WANT them to be.Remember, Five Minute Families, whether your family is already well on its way to knowing God more and more each day and honoring Him by loving each other well or whether your family is fraught with problems, God is standing by you. He loves you and He wants you to have abundantly living right now. Don’t compare yourselves to others; just look to the Master Craftsman who will give you power, purpose, and promise.May the Lord bless and keep you. May His face shine upon you this week. Please check us out at clearviewretreat.org if you would like more information about our outreach to families. Have a great week!