Creating Space For Trust
Growing up, we always ate as a family at the dinner table. My dad finished work at 5:00pm, and we were sitting down together by 5:30pm without fail. It was a sacred time for our family. Holding hands around the table, we’d pray for our meal, our family, and those we loved. We’d share stories from the day and events we had heard on the news. It was the one time of day that we would all be in the same place at the same time, and it was important to my parents. It must have been important to me too.
JOURNAL: Did you have dinner together as a family often when you were growing up? How did this time impact your childhood?
Today we live in a different world, and our busy schedules make it hard to gather as we did in the past. Sitting around the dinner table for some is reserved for holidays and special occasions. We’re all going in different directions most days of the week. However, it’s still important that we find time to spend with our family and connect.
Whether it’s the moments talking about your day while driving to and from school, sitting in the waiting room for doctor or dentist appointments, or taking a few minutes to sit by their bed at night talking and praying, make the moments count. These seemingly insignificant moments will be what our children carry with them to college, their first apartment, or when they get married. They’ll look back fondly and remember you cared. We build trust and nurture our relationships by intentionally creating time and space to be with those we love, no matter what that may look like.
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. - Colossians 3:12-17 MSG
JOURNAL: How do you intentionally create time and space for your spouse, children, and loved ones? What are some ways you can do more of this?
ACTIVATION: Find time this week to be intentional with each member of your family, even if it’s only 5-10 minutes. Set a reminder on your calendar if you need to, and don’t let anything distract you from this important time.
PRAYER PROMPT: God, I pray that You would clothe each member of our family with compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, and discipline. Help me to control my frustration when days are hectic and long - I don’t want to take it out on those who are closest to me. Keep us in tune to each other’s needs and feelings. Reveal to us the margin in our lives that we may intentionally create time and space for each other, build trusting relationships with one another, and grow closer every day. Thank You for this family You have given me. I give You full reign in our home. By Your grace, help me to steward our family and bring honor and glory to You. - Amen
JOURNAL: Did you have dinner together as a family often when you were growing up? How did this time impact your childhood?
Today we live in a different world, and our busy schedules make it hard to gather as we did in the past. Sitting around the dinner table for some is reserved for holidays and special occasions. We’re all going in different directions most days of the week. However, it’s still important that we find time to spend with our family and connect.
Whether it’s the moments talking about your day while driving to and from school, sitting in the waiting room for doctor or dentist appointments, or taking a few minutes to sit by their bed at night talking and praying, make the moments count. These seemingly insignificant moments will be what our children carry with them to college, their first apartment, or when they get married. They’ll look back fondly and remember you cared. We build trust and nurture our relationships by intentionally creating time and space to be with those we love, no matter what that may look like.
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. - Colossians 3:12-17 MSG
JOURNAL: How do you intentionally create time and space for your spouse, children, and loved ones? What are some ways you can do more of this?
ACTIVATION: Find time this week to be intentional with each member of your family, even if it’s only 5-10 minutes. Set a reminder on your calendar if you need to, and don’t let anything distract you from this important time.
PRAYER PROMPT: God, I pray that You would clothe each member of our family with compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, and discipline. Help me to control my frustration when days are hectic and long - I don’t want to take it out on those who are closest to me. Keep us in tune to each other’s needs and feelings. Reveal to us the margin in our lives that we may intentionally create time and space for each other, build trusting relationships with one another, and grow closer every day. Thank You for this family You have given me. I give You full reign in our home. By Your grace, help me to steward our family and bring honor and glory to You. - Amen
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