Today Matters, Decision #4 FAMILY

4. Decision #4 FAMILY: “Today’s family gives me stability”
Communicate with and care for my family daily.

Some families tear you down instead of building you up. You can’t change your ancestors but you can influence your descendants. Spend time with those who build you up and avoid those who knock you down as much as possible.

1. Your family can be a safe haven in a stormy world.

Theodore Roosevelt said he would rather spend time with his family than any world figure.

2. It also provides a photo album of memories to draw upon the rest of your life.
3. It can be a crucible of character. It molds your character and your children’s character. Help create personal discipline.
4. It is a treasure chest of your most important relationships. Your family relationships are the most important ones in your life. The people closest to you form you and are formed by you. Therefore, value them. If you want to make an impact on the world, start at home. Treat them like treasures.

Mother Teresa: What can we do to promote world peace? “Go home and love your family.”

Nick Stinnent: When you have a strong family life you receive the message that you are loved, cared for and important. The positive intake of love gives you inner resources to deal with life more successfully. Family gives you stability.”

We usually think that divorce won’t happen to us. But if we neglect our marriage it will fall apart. We must constantly work at it.

Rewrite your definition of success: Having those closest to me love and respect me the most.

Get started in building your family:
1. Determine your priorities. Make family a top priority.
2. Decide on your philosophy. Cultivate and maintain your commitment to God. Focus on developing personal potential and growth. Common experiences. Contributions to life, add value to family and others.
Keep it simple, non-negotionas. Communication and problem-solving philosophy.

Disciplines:
1. Put your family on your calendar first.
2. Create boundaries to protect your family time.
3. Create and maintain family traditions.

It is vital to keep your marriage healthy. It sets the tone for the household and provides the primary role model for the children. “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”

Commitment is what carries you through. If you depend on feelings you won’t make it.