By Nick Mureithi
The family unit is seen as one of nature’s brilliant masterpieces. It is understandably pleasant to spend time with friends and colleagues at the workplace. However, quality time spent with family members is undeniably valuable and worthwhile.
Family is truly the heart of the home. It is the unit that provides its members with a clear social identity. In fact, it is the foundation of any society. Family is certainly a sacred and soundly respected entity.
No one understands you better
It is important to have someone who truly understands you. Someone who recognizes and endures the person that you really are. Friends might sometimes not understand your flaws or weaknesses. But family, meaning; your parents, spouse, children and siblings, will in most cases understand you better. They might tolerate and muster more patience when dealing with you. You experience a deep affection, respect and understanding for each other within the family. They at times hold some covertly guarded secrets and accept you for who you truly are.
Family will always be there
Or will they? It is obviously possible that family members will sometimes openly neglect you during your greatest point of need. However, it is also true that family might be the last people faithfully standing by your side when everyone else has abandoned you. Hence, it is important to cherish and nurture your relationship with your close family members.
Jealously safeguard and protect the special bond that exists between you and your family. Love your parents and support them. Your parents played a key role in moulding you and ensuring that you develop good morals and virtues.
Carefully mentor and guide your siblings; be a good role model to them. Make time to bond with all your family members, and be a source of hope and encouragement to your spouse and children if you have any.
Stay connected
Parting shot; stay in touch with your family. Provide and demonstrate care and continually reassure them that you love them. That they really matter to you. Whether you are brought together by marriage, blood or adoption, ensure that you are dependable and trustworthy to them.
It is said that the most influential and strong-willed individuals are usually backed by a loving family. Your family will in most cases help you rise up again when you occasionally fall in life. Always take time to connect with them and positively build solid relationships with your family. Pray for them. Be there for them. Make them feel valued and important.
Numerous emerging issues and circumstances will at times breed conflict and disagreement within the family unit. It is important for us to identify possible conflicts that plague the family and resolve them before they dent the cordial bond shared by family members. After all, how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity and harmony!
Always thank God for giving you people that you call loved ones; people you can assertively call family. They are indeed precious regardless of their diverse personalities and temperaments. Just as they understand and appreciate you, reciprocate by always being there when they need you. Let us purpose to consistently shower our families with unconditional love and emotional support. Shalom.
This article was also published in the OAG Perspectives Publication in Nairobi, Kenya
Source: (Diaspora Mashinani News) https://dmashinani.com/family-pillar-of-our-strength/
