The older I get, the more I realize how important family is. When we’re teenagers, we think our parents don’t understand us. Then when we get married and have young children at home, all we can think of is how much work they are.
Hopefully, not all of us feel like this, but if we’re honest, many do. I didn’t understand at the time that my parents, my children, my siblings wouldn’t always be around. Kids grow up and leave home, our precious parents pass on, and our siblings seem to spread out to all parts of the US.
When we’re young, we somehow think we’re invincible. We’re not. I speak from the vantage point of the second half of my life. So, teens—listen up. You won’t be sorry. Spend more time with your parents, glean all the jewels of wisdom they have to offer. Maybe that doesn’t make sense right now, but it will—soon. My aunt passed several years ago, and I would love one more hour in her presence to question her about my heritage.
Though being a young mother is tough. You probably believe you’ll never again have a moment to yourself or be able to sleep through the night. But the time will come—sooner than you think. Enjoy their babyhood while you still have them at home.
Be grateful for your spouse. He/she will not be by your side forever. Siblings? You might not have the best of relationships, but in the end, they are family.
“To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.” Barbara Bush
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5: 21