Being Very Serious (Part 46)

I have done very few weddings in the last 10 years due to changes in society's take on marriage. It seems couples decide more and more to live with each other first before they step into a lawful union. Some even have children and see if they can mesh together as a family. I guess it saves on divorce costs, but it really is hard to accept as the new lifestyle of a family these days. Yet it is a reality we must accept and do our best as ministers to counsel and unify them through the bonds of matrimony even if it's because of unconventional means. One couple whose wedding ceremony I performed has really proven, that even though the started out in that fashion, since marrying they have taken their vows seriously and enlarged their family. They always include their children in every activity and place a special emphasis on them. They've gotten involved in church and given themselves to the Lord. I am so delighted in what they have become as a family unit.

When love is involved in a situation instead of lust it takes over in a special way. I have a great nephew who has some special challenges in his life. When they became known to his biological father, he abandoned him and my niece. Thankfully she has found a good man who has made my great nephew a wonderful father. Not out of obligation, but out of love. It is that kind of love that transforms a house into a very special home for very special people: your family. It's not because you feel obligated or compelled to assume your responsibility; it's because you enjoy building memories together that will last a lifetime. That joy can only come from love.

Money can build a charming house, but only love can furnish it with a feeling of home. Duty can pack a sack lunch, but love decides to tuck a little love note inside. Finances can provide a television set, but love controls it and cares enough to say no and take the guff that comes with it. Obligation sends the children to bed on time, but love tucks the covers in around their necks and passes out kisses and hugs, even to teenagers. Obligation can cook a meal, but love embellishes the table with beautiful flowers and soft candlelight. Compulsion keeps a sparkling house, but love and prayer stand a better chance of producing a happy family. Responsibility gets offended quickly if it isn't appreciated, but love learns to laugh a lot and to work for the sheer joy of doing it. Obligation can pour a glass of milk, but quite often love will add a little chocolate.

When our son and daughter-in-law moved into their present home only three of our grandchildren were born. We had no idea that two more would come into our lives. There was nothing like the first one, then second, and then the third. But in our senior years there's been so much joy being with the last two it's just plain ridiculous. All 5 have brought so much joy to Becky and I and we are so grateful for the family God has given us. And seeing how the three older ones respond to the two youngest proves that love is the most powerful thing at work in our world today. If all of our families would just love one another the world would be a better place. Don't build your house on an unstable foundation-build it on love. You will never see it collapse if you build it right.