On the Go - February 21, 2010

Like osmosis, restoration completes family.

Live it
Families are divided into smaller groups by marriage and by even smaller groups of children who grow to do the same. It's natural that parents' memories don't pass to their children, but it's also true the older a person gets, the more he wants to know what his parents know, especially about their parents. Granted, some within the family try to disconnect themselves before this natural process runs its course, but separation can't change a person's DNA. We are forever bound to our family, whether we admit it or want it.

My two older brothers are close today. As the youngest, I'm glad to be included in their conversations, because growing up, I wasn't. I'm told of a few things that happened at home among my older brothers and sister, but none more entertaining than this. Ted, the oldest, played trumpet in high school and Gene, his younger brother, the violin. As is usually the case with siblings, the older always picked on the younger, but as Gene grew to be bigger than him, Ted learned to choose his battles carefully. One day, Gene was roller skating before being told to practice and didn’t see the need to remove his skates as he took his violin out of the case. I can see it now, both of them sitting in close proximity playing different and distracting melodies on different instruments. The louder one played, the other played louder until something had to give. Noticing Gene's mobility challenge, Ted made a wise crack about sissies who play the violin. But, what he didn't expect to hear was the sound of steel wheels rolling across the planks in the wood floor and the crack of the wooden violin on his head. I don't know how they were disciplined for that, but today, just thinking about it makes all of us laugh. Have you noticed that most family feuds and irritations are forgotten, if not healed, with the passage of time? Wouldn't it be great if we didn't waste a lifetime learning that fact?

Pray it
Thank you for family, especially those with whom I share Christ's blood. Help me keep short accounts and not do anything that would harm the family or place them in jeopardy.

Resources
Sometimes weeping and bowing are more appropriate than clapping and shouting. (2001)
It's hard to have a servant spirit when you're boss. (2002)
Are we working for a godly purpose or is work our purpose? (2003)
We shouldn't wait until we run out of options before calling on God. (2004)
The answer to our prayer might be smack dab in the middle of a storm. (2005)
If we would only forgive others and let God deal with those who won't do the same. (2006)
When nothing is expected, don't expect help. (2007)
Wrong expectation is disappointment waiting to happen. (2008)
Adultery starts with a glance but ends in bondage. (2009)

How to Pray for...
My husband or wife.

My children.

Their school.

Their teachers.

My children's friends.

My friends.

My work.

My city.

Governmental leaders.

My country.

My President.

My church.

My pastor.

My church leadership.

Sister churches.

Persecuted churches.

Missionaries.

The sick.

The lost.

Those in despair.

Those in the hospital.

Those grieving.

Widows.

Orphans.

Myself.

Prayertower Devotionals are the original creation of James R. Green:
Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003)
Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004)
Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005)
One-minute Devotionals (2006 to present).

Scripture provided by God's Word Translation (c)1995 - God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.