OK. SO I have been on vacation the last week. I've been in the car for over 25 hrs, by my count, with my family. I have also fought HUGE crowds of people with family in tow in 90 degrees weather. I stood in line a lot and also had the opportunity to people watch a lot. Here are a few things I learned (or were reminded of) about relationships on vacation:
When you're tired, it will affect your relationships. Whether it's being in the car for hours on end with your family, or waiting in the line in 90 degrees heat, I was reminded once again, that when we're tired (or others are tired), we tend to be more insensitive, irritable, and short tempered. This is also true if we're running around violating the idea of sabbath rest, working too much, staying up too late, and not getting enough sleep. If you're tired, it will affect your relationships.
Parents need to be in charge. Yes, I value my kids' opinions. However, kids don't have a driver's license for a reason. Our job is to prepare them to make good decisions in good time. When they're young,however, they're not ready to make all the decisions! I saw far too many parents, though, allowing their children to rule the roost while in Disney World. Make all the decisions. Get their way or a fit ensued. While this was sometimes humorous, and sometimes annoying, the reason it really bothered me is because all they're doing is teaching their children that you can't be happy unless you always get your way, and you're always in charge. Is that REALLY what they want to teach their kids? Not me. I'm willing to say No. Make the decision for them this time. Make them mad at me if I need to. Disagree with my kids. Guide them. Release them when they leave the house. But for now when they're at home, parents need to be in charge.
Honesty, Humility and Forgiveness are the BIG THREE. We're going to blow it. I know I did a couple of times on vacation. The flesh won a couple times. When it did, I said I was sorry. They forgave me. That's the way we roll in the Lovejoy family. We're not perfect. By far. However, we hold each other accountable to be honest with each other about our hurts, admit our faults, ad forgive each other. It's impossible to have healthy relationships or partnerships without honesty, humility, and forgiveness. Are you being honest about your hurts? Are you admitting your faults? How about forgiving those who've trespassed against you?
Only one thing brings more happiness than a healthy family. I had a blast with my family on vacation. We laughed, argued, played, ran, posed, and made memories together this week. I love my family. We're fighting to stay a healthy family, because only one thing brings more happiness than a healthy family: Jesus. And He helps me keep my family healthy! That's why I love HIM...
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