I met a wonderful family in the Czech Republic. After serving as missionaries for ten years, this father, mother, son, and daughter are moving back to the United States. As I sat at their kitchen table, I realized afresh the beauty of a family dedicated to God. Peace and love were in the home. These parents loved each other and knew for certain that God had blessed them with a beautiful son and daughter to raise in the Lord. As we talked about the changes a move would bring, I prayed the pace and distractions of our culture would not change the priorities already established in this home.
I’ve had a most amazing year. I’ve been able to teach and coach and travel. But do you know the moments most precious to me? Meals around our table… family devotionals… prayers before bedtime… No blessing outshines the blessing of family. I am so thankful for Susan and my three children and I want to spend my time with them in the wisest of ways.
As parents, we know many things are valuable, but we must determine what is most important. No matter what this world may say, the most important thing for any family is to sit at the feet of Jesus. He is the source of peace and love and wisdom and truth. And He loves our families.
“She (Martha) had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:39-42