You must be in a college town when you drive by a house with four lawn chairs perched on the peak of the roof. (Yes, I had to drive around the block to get a second glance--and a picture.) From ground level I have no idea as to what they could find so interesting to see. It was just a regular neighborhood. Maybe the vantage point from the roof revealed something else that I could not see.
Life can be that way as well. How can I get a "bird's-eye" view of what is going on? There are times when being stuck in the muck at ground level can be quite disheartening. I am unable to see the big picture. Why is something happening? What is the method of adjusting to current circumstances to improve the situation? How do I make good decisions if I am unable to accurately evaluate and assess the problems? I need clarity.
In preparing for the upcoming parish mission in Gillette (which is centered on the family), it occurred to me that family life can also be that way. If we are immersed in the trials and tribulations and struggling to survive, we may miss the bigger picture and lose the opportunity to truly thrive. How do we maintain healthy families--physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? How do we grow in faith and walk humbly with God?
Each family will have its own unique challenges and struggles. However, there are certain steps we can all take to improve our relationships. If we are consistent in seeking the best for one another we will be amazed at the changes in our households. Here are some items to reflect upon:
1. How important is faith to individual and family wellness?
2. If faith is important, what role does the local faith community serve in my wellness?
3. What role does correct discernment play in our well-being?
4. How does technology impact our wellness?
5. How do I live more effectively in the present moment--not missing graced opportunities by dwelling in the past or constantly looking toward the future?
6. How do we as individuals, and as a family, better form our consciences in light of Eternal Truth?
7. How can we pray more effectively--as individuals and as a family?
I do not know why the four chairs were on the roof, but I can speculate and devise some pretty good scenarios in my head. Hopefully, sitting on the roof brings a clearer perspective on life and serves as a great place to ponder. My hunch is that the chairs represented a less noble purpose. However, climbing to the chairs may have drawn a person or two to enter into prayer in the process. People who pray together sit on a roof together. That doesn't have much of a ring to it. I think we'll stay with the original.
"The family that prays together stays together."
Life can be that way as well. How can I get a "bird's-eye" view of what is going on? There are times when being stuck in the muck at ground level can be quite disheartening. I am unable to see the big picture. Why is something happening? What is the method of adjusting to current circumstances to improve the situation? How do I make good decisions if I am unable to accurately evaluate and assess the problems? I need clarity.
In preparing for the upcoming parish mission in Gillette (which is centered on the family), it occurred to me that family life can also be that way. If we are immersed in the trials and tribulations and struggling to survive, we may miss the bigger picture and lose the opportunity to truly thrive. How do we maintain healthy families--physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? How do we grow in faith and walk humbly with God?
Each family will have its own unique challenges and struggles. However, there are certain steps we can all take to improve our relationships. If we are consistent in seeking the best for one another we will be amazed at the changes in our households. Here are some items to reflect upon:
1. How important is faith to individual and family wellness?
2. If faith is important, what role does the local faith community serve in my wellness?
3. What role does correct discernment play in our well-being?
4. How does technology impact our wellness?
5. How do I live more effectively in the present moment--not missing graced opportunities by dwelling in the past or constantly looking toward the future?
6. How do we as individuals, and as a family, better form our consciences in light of Eternal Truth?
7. How can we pray more effectively--as individuals and as a family?
I do not know why the four chairs were on the roof, but I can speculate and devise some pretty good scenarios in my head. Hopefully, sitting on the roof brings a clearer perspective on life and serves as a great place to ponder. My hunch is that the chairs represented a less noble purpose. However, climbing to the chairs may have drawn a person or two to enter into prayer in the process. People who pray together sit on a roof together. That doesn't have much of a ring to it. I think we'll stay with the original.
"The family that prays together stays together."
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