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Deuteronomy 6:6-7
God is so good, it is hard to find the words to express that goodness and blessing---but we need to find the words and express the gratitude. As a pastor/counselor, I have been grieved by the lack of communication which characterizes many of our modern family relationships. It seems that often the only time there is communication between family members is when someone wants another person to do something. This is usually transmitted in a demanding tone, which results in the other member becoming resentful, and responding in a negative manner. Do you get the picture! I may have previously mentioned about a wall hanging in our guest bathroom. It is called, "Life's Little Instructions." It has hung there for several years. There are such suggestions as, "Sing in the shower," "Rekindle old friendships." "Count your blessings," and the last one that always was the source of an admonition when my mom was still alive and came to visit from Idaho---"Call your mother." We laughed a lot about it, but it was a big joke between us since we talked daily on the phone. In other families the suggestion is not a joking matter. There is a real need in some families to establish or re-establish communications. I have conducted many funerals across the years. I always meet with family members prior to the services. These times are not just for me to learn about the person who had died, but it is a time of sharing heart with heart. Healing often takes place and old hurts are forgiven. Many times as I return from these meetings, I find my wife, Joyce, sitting in her cozy little reading area writing in her journal. It is a delight to sit across from her and share some of the things which the family has shared. Some of our friends are surprised at how freely and frequently we take the time to talk with each other. Over the years we have developed a communion of hearts that causes us to look forward to our times together. I guess that is what comes from being each other's best friend for over 60 years. We never think of it as being out of the ordinary. Today's Scripture gives a wonderful pattern for families to follow in communicating. It is strong medicine for sick families. It starts with God's Word. Without the Word of God and His commandments, we are left with our own human thoughts and imaginings, and they are a poor basis for interaction. The Word of God is to be in our heart in such a manner that they flow out in our conversations. We are often very critical of what our children say and do, only to realize that they so often act as mirrors of our very statements and attitudes. It is the responsibility of fathers to take the lead in this area of communication. Please, men, go back and read the sixth chapter of Deuteronomy. See what God has placed upon our shoulders as an awesome responsibility. If your are a wife and mother with an unsaved husband, you can assume this roll in a tender way without becoming an offense to that unsaved husband. Remember that wives are told that the godly wife can win the unsaved husband, not by words, but a gentle and quiet spirit. Well, perhaps I have stirred the pot sufficiently for you to have a wonderful family conversation about the rabble-rousing E-mail pastor. That may be your jump-start to begin talking together. Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing. --- Pastor Cecil
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