Generational Family
Every family is generational by having children and expanding the family tree. But NOT every family is generational with relational connections that last.
Too many families struggle to have a generational love and bond that grows over time. People grow apart, move away, and ultimately disconnect in their hearts.
But God has a better plan for our families.
His intent is a generational bond that impacts multiple layers in the family. This happens through intentionality and having a foundation that supports a family.
This is possible through Jesus!
I believe a generational family happens by being consistent day to day. It’s not always amazing or what we dreamed of, but when we show up every day, something great is built over time.
I heard someone say, “We overestimate what we can do in a year, and underestimate what we can do in ten years.”
This is so true and speaks to our need for a quick fix or immediate results. However, anything great that lasts, takes time to build.
We’re not building a microwave family to impress others, we’re building a generational family with each other and for God.
God thinks generational and so should we. His promise reveals His intent for our families.
“And this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Isaiah 59:21
Notice how God wants His word in our families for multiple generations. This type of family goes deeper than the last name because it’s built on His name and we connect and bond with open hearts.
No matter what you’re facing in your family, it can be generational. God has a plan and His will is to fulfill it. Our part is to be consistent day-to-day and let the Holy Spirit build something great.
So, here are three BIG things to be consistent with day-to-day.
1st – Make a church a rhythm in your family.
When we have our family involved in a healthy local church, the benefits are immeasurable.
No church is perfect but Jesus is and we worship Him and we choose to be a part of what He’s doing in the world. He moves through the local church.
Our faith is stretched, we have community, our kids have support in student ministries, we serve something bigger than us and we give financially to what Jesus is doing.
All of this and more add to the family’s faith and focus.
The key is being in a healthy church.
This means a church that reaches people who are not believers, they serve their city, they give to the needy, and they preach the gospel with passion and humility. They don’t major on minors or seek to prove how they’re better than the other churches. They don’t exclude people who are in a battle. They have places to serve and connect. They invest in the now generation and believe the Holy Spirit is moving today and they have a vision to expand and grow.
If you don’t have a church like this, then I pray you find one. It makes a difference and it matters.
2nd – Have family time.
This is huge right now because only fifty percent of families have dinner together and for the ones that do, it’s only fifteen to twenty minutes.
The lack of family connections is glaring as technology and TV control the relational connection and dynamics. This trend is hurting our families.
To stop it we must be intentional to have family dinners together as much as possible. Also have family time around board games, card games, fire pits, hobbies, and more. Another great thing is to have the family support each other at sporting events, recitals, and more.
We need to support each other and be physically there. It’s good to remind each other that it’s NOT about us all the time and that we help others.
I encourage you to schedule family time. Make time and do it. Think of ways to foster conversation and when your kids start talking, let them talk. It’s worth it!
3rd – Have one on one with your family.
Husbands and wives grow together when they have a consistent time of being together. The same is true for our kids.
Having one-on-one time is HUGE and I believe this must be a priority. These moments can build a lasting relationship that grows over time.
I do this weekly with my wife Sumer and each of our kids. It’s not always deep in conversation, but it’s building a bond day by day that lasts a lifetime.
Isn’t this what we want? Of course!
To have it we must invest in it. We do this with one-on-one time.
I encourage you to schedule this and make it happen.
I heard this quote when it comes to easing a family, “the days are long, but ten years are short.”
How true that is. We have limited time to develop a generational family!
So go for it and be consistent in the day-to-day and watch what God does!
PD
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