Love One Another
Tonight my three came home for dinner. We had it on the calendars for weeks and I could hardly wait to look into those familiar faces around our old oak table. How I love these now adult children of mine. Just look at them. But we are not a perfect family by any stretch. Sometimes when we are not together for long periods of time it takes us a bit to get our rhythm right. Tonight was one of those nights. There were more than a few tussles at the Morgan Family dinner table.
This is hard on a mother’s heart. I remember it from my own childhood. My mama would call from the other room when she heard the sounds of squabbling going on. “You all love one another!” Love one another. We want that for our kids not just because we want peace and quiet when they are little (which we desperately do), but because we know instinctively that broken threads can turn into holes that cannot be repaired. We know it from our own growing up, from the aches and bored out holes in our own families. Please. Love. One. Another. Our hearts are begging.
Please.
They see the concern on my face. Thankfully, their story does not have to be my story. As the night moved on I watched them find paths meandering back into each other’s hearts. There is always a way. It’s the laying down of pride, and showing the soft of underbelly of ” I really value you. You are part of me”.
The fastest way back into love is to lay yourself down.
Before too long, we were dancing in the den again just like old times. I took this image just before they headed back into their separate worlds. “Just one here by your picture on the wall?” They indulged me once again. So sweet.
How I love them.
Philippians 2: 5-8
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!”
8 Comments
Ha, that is great. Love those three.
Loving the 365.
I keep shouting, when I hear my 8year old girl and 6 year old girl fight: “best sister of the world!” or “sisters forever”. Sometimes it works. They start playing Tinkerbell and Perwinkle (Disney fairies) then, no wait, they start fighting who is Tinkerbell and who is Periwinkle. *sigh* 😉
James Taylor said, “I was raised up family, man I’m glad i’m on my own.”
Everybody ends up with that sentiment unless better rules are intentionally applied.
Better rules for family gatherings.
1. Leave you self-orientation and contrary demeanor at the door.
2. Generously invest belief and encouragement.
3. Be present and invested in each others stories and concerns.
4. Always remember this family is not about me but something bigger
5. Beware of the common mistakes that dwell in your family line and pray past them.
6. Open your heart, inform your face and engage.
7. Apply laughter, remember to sing, always dance a little.
8. Turn off all the phones and TVs and ask good questions and do not judge each others answers.
9. Never require others to adjust to you, but always adjust to others.
10. Be prayerful and discerning about who you marry (give them this list before you say ‘yes’)
Sorry to preach and proselytize on your blog 🙂
Oh how I wish you four were young again. I would love to have you all gathered around me. Once they leave and get married, it is hard to get them all back together again. Mothers always love having their offspring around them forever. Yes, love one another!
I love you Maryanne….my little sister!
I enjoyed this blog because I can so identify with it. It is always such a joy to have my children home or just together wherever we are. Doesn’t happen near enough anymore but still just as special as ever. So let’s just love one another. It’s what life is all about. Brings such joy, especially for Mom!
Great post. As I read …I entered your home for a moment, and was pleased, as always, as an invested friend. All is well in the Morgan home. Be Blessed!
Nothing better than to see our kids love on each other. Great post.