Keys for Family Power (4)

Key # 4 - Fun in the Family

Joy is an unmistakable evidence of those who have Jesus in their heart. This joy comes from an intimate relationship with Jesus in our daily walk. This joy is a direct derivative of “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, which will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).

If we get this notion right, our Christian home will never be filled with heaviness and somberness, even in difficult circumstances. If the family exhibits no joy, there is no joy in each member.

John 10:10 says "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Living life to the full, or abundantly in KJV, means being able to enjoy life. I have never seen a miserable person enjoy his or her state of misery. But for those who are living life fully, joy is a prime disposition. In the same way, we must encourage abundant life in our family. Let there be joy, sounds of laughter, light-heartedness in our home. We have to make a conscious and determined effort for this to happen.

Many of us work and are tired after a full day in the office. And when we go home, we bring along our tiredness. Joy is gone and anger sets in. Family cracks...can you see the source, the sequence and the consequence.

We must learn to have fun in the family...making our home a place of fun and laughter is a conscious decision. The family members must work at it. It is needful that each member realizes how important it is to have fun and to enjoy each other. Laugh, and laugh lots ...laughter is, after all, the best medicine. It is definitely better to laugh (and then teach) when our children (or ourselves) make a mistake than to condemn. The mistake has been done, the consequence depends on our reaction thereafter...to laugh and learn or to get angry and cause hurt.

Often times when my family gets together, we reminisce funny things that have happened in the past and laugh over it. Doing that always brings remembrance about the good times that we had shared and this builds and strengthens the bond.

Fun is always welcome. Fun always builds up relationship. Let us all decide consciously to make our home a place of fun and laughter.

Suggestions for practice:

1. Decide that you want to have fun with the family.
2. Start by learning to live work where it belongs – at the office. When you step into your home, remember that you have decided to want to enjoy each other at home.
3. Be funny, even if you have to practice it, do so. Practice makes perfect. Joy and laughter must be spontaneous and come from the heart.
4. Whenever you about to lash out at a family member, take a deep breadth and laugh out loud – you will be amazed how that calms you down. Then tackle the problem with a light heart.
5. Plan for family activities that will bring fun. And do it with them!

Please feel free to share your experience by clicking "Comments" below. Coming up on 13th Oct.