In this............ my very first blog post, I want to speak into a topic that I hold very dear to my heart. That topic is family experience. With as A.D.D. as I am, this could go several different ways. My goal though, is to paint a picture of the correlation between experiencing life as a family unit and the growth and strengthening of that family unit.
On our Disney experience page, each member of our family has a member from the "Incredible" family as their profile character. At first, when I set the accounts up, it was just the easiest and most logical choice. As I dove into planning and dreaming of our family trip to Disney World, it clicked with me that the Incredibles were a family unit who were exploring the strengths and weaknesses of their individual and family abilities. As they discovered and adventured together, they discovered their place, power, and abilities as a family unit. Each member of the family held specific strengths. They were not able to be the "end all, be all" on their own. Once they discovered each other in togetherness, that's when their family unit was virtually unstoppable.
Sure they could have figured out their strengths and weaknesses alone. It would have taken more time. It would have most likely been more painful, both physically and emotionally. They would have been doing it ALONE. So, who would they celebrate with? What is accomplishment kept to one's self?
My youngest son, Hudson didn't take to the Seven Dwarfs' Mine Train very well. It was too fast and a little scary for the almost 4 year old. It made him a bit apprehensive of other rides with tracks. So we had a choice to make............. do we allow him to pass on all rides of that nature, or do we encourage him to try something else that wasn't quite as intense. We ended up getting him on Goofy's Barnstormer. As we expected, he was a little reluctant to get on. In the cue, we made sure to encourage him and reassure him that we were right there with him. That we were doing this together......... as a family. As we pushed the bar down onto our laps, I put my arm around him and said, "let's put our hands up and go for a ride.". He did............. and had a blast!!! We celebrated with a giant cookie and reminisce of the time that he overcame his fear. So, we have discovery, accomplishment and celebration within the family unit. It is a beautiful and effective thing!! That is because God never intended us to do life alone! In Genesis 2, He says "it's not good for man to be alone.". Of course in this particular situation, he meant that man needed a companion, but he also drove home the fact that we are important for each other. Hebrews 10:24 says, "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." That just doesn't happen without ONE ANOTHER!! The apostle Paul tells us to "bear one another's burdens." You see we can find strength in one another, comfort in one another and accomplishment spurred on by one another. God intended these kinds of relationships in our life. Especially the ones that draw us nearer to Him.
As my family takes on new adventures and discover new things in our lives, we are able to lean on each other and into God. My two boys, Cooper and Hudson, are wide eyed and ready to go!!! My wife and I are figuring out this parenting thing on the fly. We try to give each other grace and and be grateful when grace is given. We set the tone for adventure and discovery. It is easier for our boys to attempt new things when they understand that we are right here with them. In the comfort of one another........... we can throw our hands in the air, face our fears and utter the words "I want to do that again daddy!!".
You see................. your family, however that might look in your life........... Is an incredible gift from God........... on purpose. He delights in us when we delight in one another. He positions us to play important roles in the existence of those we love. He has gifted us with FAMILY. Not just for family sake, but for us to understand that no matter how scary, sketchy, ugly or intimidating the ride of life gets................... He is right there, ready to celebrate our discovery...................................................... Together.