Investing Time With Family

Goal

To be more intentional about spending time with family.

Grab

When was the last time your family went on a vacation?

Grace

Read CCC 2204-2206

The family is founded on the marriage of a man and a woman, and it highlights the importance of love, respect, and mutual support among family members. Parents have a special role in educating their children in faith and values, helping them grow into responsible and loving adults.

Family life is a vital part of society and the Church. Part of our covenant is to dedicate ourselves to the task of building a strong family for Christ. Being intentional is the key ingredient for family time. The word “intentional” is defined as being deliberate and purposeful. Not only do we need to spend time with our families, but we also need to invest time with them. Spending involves using resources on activities that will not yield any future benefits; once spent, it's gone. On the other hand, investing in family quality time entails dedicating moments now with the expectation of strengthening relationships and creating lasting memories for the future.

We can use our time in such a way that it is an investment. Here are some practical ways we can be intentional with our family time:

1. Establish Presence. When spending time together, be fully present. Listen actively and engage in meaningful conversations. This shows that you value your spouse and/or children and their contributions.

2. Encourage Open Communication. Make time for family discussions where everyone can share their thoughts and feelings. Create a welcoming atmosphere so that you can discuss moral truths. This openness builds trust and understanding among family members.

3. Enjoy and make it fun. Discuss what family time means to each member and what activities everyone enjoys. This can help create a shared vision for how you want to spend time together and what values you want to nurture as a family.

Families are meant to be a place where everyone can grow together, support each other and learn about God. It is time that we normalize family time in this productivity-obsessed culture. Time is never wasted when we invest it with family.

Gather

1.     What are your struggles in having family time?

2.     How can you establish a culture of quality time with your family?

Go Forth

For the month of September, designate specific time each week for family activities.

Give

God is Generous and in response, let us be good stewards by consistent Spiritual Giving, our tithing. 

For Tithes Remittance of NCR Members: bit.ly/mfctithes