Families

Murphy's Laws for Parents   1. The tennis shoes you must replace today will go on sale next week. 2. Leakproof thermoses -- will.   Family life – it’s rich and fulfilling; it’s exasperating and challenging; it’s funny and frightening; it’s sometimes ugly, frequently upsetting, and nearly always unpredictable.  It’s also a reflection of God’s glory in all of its facets.   The Bible says, It is not good for one to be alone.  And elsewhere we are assured, God settest the solitary in families.   3. The chances of a piece of bread falling with the grape jelly side down is directly proportional to the cost of the carpet. 4. The garbage truck will be two doors past your house when the argument over whose day it is to take out the trash ends.   Our ability as human beings to live together well is determined in large part by our experience in families. And while the earliest years may be the most crucial, our identity is also heavily shaped by our own adolescence – and living with adolescent children.  My sons are now in their mid-20’s, and Bev and I are learning new ways to parent and to be together as a family.   5. The shirt your child must wear today will be the only one that needs to be washed or mended. 6. Gym clothes left at school in lockers mildew at a faster rate than other clothing.   That’s why I’m so glad to be beginning our Third Thursday program, which starts tonight.  It’s a time for families to come together for a simple meal, then to choose among a number of opportunities for conversation and growth. We’ll do this every Third Thursday (except December 20) through the year.   I especially want to encourage you to attend the monthly sessions on Family Life, led by Francine Ronis.   7. The item your child lost, and must have for school within the next ten seconds, will be found in the last place you look.   Francine is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Center for Pastoral Counseling (CPC) of Northern Virginia.  She holds Masters degrees in both Counseling and Development, and Early Childhood Education, and has been working with families and individuals in the Northern Virginia area for more than ten years. She specializes in working with children and families experiencing relational problems, behavior difficulties and attachment issues, and with new parents (birth and adoptive) around issues of bonding, positive discipline, and changing family dynamics.   Tonight’s Theme is “Relating to the People I’m Related To.” We’ll discuss the concepts of emotional intelligence with Francine.  You’ll learn more about how you can improve relationships in your family with some simple skills, knowledge, and understanding.   8. Sick children recover miraculously when the pediatrician enters the treatment room. 9. Refrigerated items, used daily, will gravitate toward the back of the refrigerator.   Join us this evening – October 18, beginning with dinner at 6:00 and programs at 7:00 – and every Third Thursday this year for the opportunity to strengthen our lives as members of a family.    10. Your chances of being seen by someone you know dramatically increase if you drive your child to school in your robe and curlers.

 

                Pastor Larry