We are all busy. The schedule that we keep today is ridiculous. I’m sure there are some families out there who just casually move through their days and weeks at a very relaxing pace while stopping for a few seconds to sip their freshly squeezed lemonade. But, I don’t know any of them! Most young families are non-stop, especially during the school year. They are doing really good things with really great intentions, but often stressed, anxious, and lifeless by the end of the day. Even the time in the car is consumed by the radio, phone conversations, videos, and electronic games. What are we doing??? A few years ago Tim Kimmel wrote a book entitled Little House on the Freeway. I believe the title of his book captures the culture of the majority of families with young kids. We are a hurried society. But, many families don’t even know what they are chasing. In Tim’s book, he reminds parents that we need to help our kids find times of rest. This is something we all need. He gives a few suggestions for helping your kids disconnect from the pace brought on by school, homework, sports, electronics, clubs, and even church. Here are a few thoughts from the book. We need to help our kids rest physically. Their bodies are their responsibility, but as a parent they may need a few reminders. Teach them how God has designed their bodies to recuperate by getting proper rest. They need sleep. Getting enough sleep is so important. They need to be reminded that a proper diet renews their bodies, gives them energy to do fun things, and it promotes good mental health. We must encourage our kids to put down the electronics and allow their minds to be renewed. They need mental rest. Time to dream, plan, think, and interact with the family. Creativity is heightened when a child is allowed to renew their mind. We also must help our children to build new relationships and deepen the ones they have. They need emotional rest. We are social creatures. To allow kids time to just make new friends and play with others should be high on a parents priority list. Un-structured, creative play has incredible emotional benefits. And lastly, children need to learn how to rest in the Spirit. God is in control and the Holy Spirit is at work all around them. Teach you child that they can go to God about any subject. Help them learn that God invites us to rest in Him. Set the example for your kids by living in such a way that they see you totally relying on God and His Word. God can be trusted. Relax, Gods got “this.” Whatever “this” is. Maybe you are like me, in that, my example of “resting in the Lord” has been somewhat skewed because I’m still trying to learn how to do this myself. Even though this has been a constant challenge for me I must continue my quest in trusting God fully. I encourage you to do the same. So, let’s teach our kids to rest. A rejuvenated spirit will follow and the benefits will be bountiful. Don’t let business, productivity, or the temptation to “keep up with the Joneses” keep you from the quality of family life that’s waiting. Check these out… Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 37:7, Psalm 62:5, I Peter 5:7 Ric Callahan Pastor of Families, Westwood Baptist Church, Alabaster, AL
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Last week I was introduced to a new concept. It’s exciting at my age to learn something new, especially when it is really helpful.
At my house, I converted an old underground storm shelter into a fitness room. I’m in there at least 5 days a week lifting weights. Because it’s underground it has a certain musty smell. During the winter our cat, Charlie, stays there at night to keep warm. Unfortunately, it begins to smell really bad during that time. A few weeks ago, I bought a couple of plug-in air fresheners that give off the wonder scent of a Hawaiian breeze. Now when I walk into my wonderful “pit of pain”, the aroma reminds me of working out on a beautiful beach in the pacific. At least I can pretend I have a “beach body.” Often, when you enter a building you first notice the scent of the room. Which brings me to the question, “What does your home smell like?” What is the AROMA of your home? As parents, we have the opportunity to set the pace and atmosphere in our families. In addition, with some intentionality, we also have the privilege on determining the AROMA. Sure, sometimes it stinks, but don’t let that continue. Below are some suggestions using an acrostic with the letters in AROMA that will help all of us make our homes smell a little sweeter. A= AFFECTION – Make sure that there are plenty of hugs, caring touches and kind words. The kids need to feel loved and see mom and dad showing affection to one another. R=RESPECT - Kids need to show respect to their parents and one another. Disrespect is never tolerated. Parents respect each other through both words and actions. O= ORDER - Structure is a good thing. Schedule your day and week as a family. Observe family traditions, customs, and priorities. Everybody knows what is expected of him or her from their behaviors to their chores. The family is a team and works together. Each family member does his or her part. Of course every family has moments of chaos but having an agreed upon conflict resolution plan in place will greatly reduce stress and anxiety. M= MERRIMENT – Have fun as a family! Laugh together. Enjoy being with each other. Be joyous. Play together. When people visit, keep the atmosphere light and burden free. Plan fun times together. Did I mention, “Laugh together?” A= AFFIRMATION – You are the ultimate cheerleader for your kids and your spouse. Make sure the people who you call family know that you unconditionally love and support them. Attend their activities. Encourage their development. Celebrate wins. Remind your kids that God has designed them, gifted them, and loves them. Praise God for their uniqueness and guide them to use their giftedness to help others. Tell them you are proud of them. And…give them reasons to be proud of you. From time to time every home smells a little musty. Maybe it’s time for you, as the parent, to take some steps to improve the AROMA of your home. Be intentional about spreading the “fragrance” of Christ. Check out this verse: 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 (ESV) 14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. Ric Callahan Pastor to Families, Westwood Baptist Church, Alabaster, AL |
AuthorRic Callahan has served the Church as minister to youth, children, and families for 37 years. He and his wife, Carla, have a passion for motivating and encouraging parents to activiely pursue Godly leadership in their homes. They have raised two daughters who use their gifts in minsitry as well. Archives
May 2018
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