What Makes Our Family Special?

My father left an important document on his laptop, intended for his grandchildren, entitled, “WHAT MAKES OUR FAMILY SPECIAL?”

His list is an encouragement and challenge to create and lead our families with purposeful devotion to God. I ache to see followers of Jesus take one of these to heart. I feel it is the failure to accept these as of utmost importance that causes our lives to flounder and suffer. I share this list on this first Father’s Day without him in hopes that what scripture said of Abel may be true of John H. Cachiaras, “though dead he still speaks.” (Hebrews 11:4)

Let me share his important words:

That family is special:

…where parents love their parents, their children & grandchildren…and where children love their parents & grandparents.

…whose members derive their identity through their involvement in the worship and ministry of the Lord’s Church.

…whose members nurture in one another the virtues espoused by Jesus Christ.

…whose members love each other in word and deed, & who grow, work, and persevere together as long as their lives last.

…whose members strive to be responsible, productive citizens of society and the world.

…whose members are proud of their name and their family and who throughout their lives seek to live up to the ideals and faith upon which their family is established.