The Perfect Family?

Now that Jim and I are in the midst of raising our family, we are always looking, reading, and learning all we can about what to and what not to do. How can we create the perfect family life? How can we balance every one's schedules, needs, wants, personalities, etc.? Sometimes it seems impossible. Payton is sensitive and loves to just be in the same room as me without even doing anything. She's affectionate, like her Dad. She thrives on praise for good behavior or a job well done. Connor is a little more strong-willed. He is sensitive but purposely tries to hide it. His pride is killed when he does something wrong and is reprimanded for it. He often demands attention and is relentless if he doesn't get it. His approach is much different than Payton's. So, as in every family, we have a different mixture of personalities to deal with. Sometimes this "mixture" creates stress and friction and causes our home life to be a little difficult.

Recently, I've been thinking about all of the benefits of the different personalities in a family. Each family member brings something particularly special to the group in their differences. I've watched and learned from each and every one of my family members. They have each shown me glimpses of how wonderful God has created each of them. My sister Tarry has the personality of all personalities....she is just a fun person to be around. But, beyond that, she is the most loyal sister or friend anyone could have. I have learned from her that in my anger or hostility towards any situation, nothing is more important than family, nothing is worth risking the relationship of your parents or siblings. She stands solid in her unwavering loyalty to each of us....even in the most difficult of situations. Jill is such a "Pleaser"....she never wants to let anyone down and she will compromise her own happiness for the happiness of others. She has such a "self-less" quality about her that I could only hope to emulate. The beauty of Jill is that even in the midst of setting her own desires aside for the benefit of someone elses needs, she remains positive, happy, content.... I wish I could say I was the same way. My brother Jon has somewhat of a "tough exterior". He often acts like he doesn't care when he really does. What makes Jon so special is that when something goes wrong or something bad happens (as it has this past weekend), he is always there to offer support. He does it in his own quiet way without anyone really knowing because he doesn't want to "blow his cover". Jon reminds me of the importance of of helping out or doing "good" quietly, humbly, without patting myself on the back. And, finally, my little sister Christa....she has a quality about her that makes people around her feel good about themselves. When you talk to her, she is very focused on only you. She acts interested and asks questions. And, always has her huge smile on. I love that quality in her and I only hope to make my friends and family feel as good when I am around them as she does me.

Differences aren't so bad after all....and there is no such thing as a "perfect" family life. With God's help, I will do my best to raise my children as well as I can while honoring their different personalities. And, I will pray that they will grow up to love each other as much as I love my siblings.