March 9, 2020

Weekly Reflections – Intentional Families II

INTENTIONAL FAMILIES

This is the third weekly reflection in a series on “Forming Intentional Families.” We continue addressing each of ten tenets over the remaining eight weeks. The producers of this program wisely wrote, “Intentional means that we do more than just react to life. Instead, we must create a vision, make purposeful choices, and then decisively take action to make our families all that God desires them to be.” Can you choose to be intentional when it comes to your family?

You might begin or continue a notebook and place each week’s thoughts in it. And then share the information within your family. How can your family become more intentional in living out God’s plan for you? Write it down and place it in your notebook.

Blessings and peace,

Chaplain Allen
chaplain@nationsu.edu
chaplainscorner.org

TENET 2: SHARE FAMILY MEALS

God always comes first.

1. Family time is sacred. Begin meals in prayer, thanking God for His blessings and for the food that you are about to share.

2. Sharing meals is more than just eating together. It is a time to retreat from the world’s distractions, to share stories, and to be present to one another.

3. Families are encouraged to minimize eating “on the go” and make it a family tradition to share at least one meal every day together without distractions, such as TV, radio, cell phones, and other technology.

Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together
in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes.
They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart,
praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. (Acts 2:6)

The Ten Tenets of the “Forming Intentional Families” program.

1. Set family priorities.
2. Share family meals.
3. Lead family prayer and teach the faith.
4. Manage/limit media intake.
5. Control pace of life.
6. Forgive easily and often/ask for forgiveness.
7. Encourage active listening/open and honest communication.
8. Schedule family fun and play time.
9. Teach/model responsibility and accountability.
10. Acknowledge and share our gifts and talents.

Source: This program was developed over several years by the St. Laurence Pastoral Council (distributed April 2019) in Sugar Land, Texas.

Note: The opinions expressed in this Reflection are intended to be those of the author alone based on his understanding of the Bible and how God works with his people.

Read more reflections, Intentional Families I