Family Activity

For some reason the other day I got to thinking about one of my favorite classes I took at CFNI, Godly Parenting, and an activity we did in that class.

Towards the end of the semester our class was divided up into groups of 5-7ish and we were called "a family".

We came into class one day with a very special activity planned to teach us what it means to serve our family.

Each "Family" had a table assigned to them that was filled with an entire breakfast meal and empty plates at each setting.

We took our seats and waited for the instructions.

We were to not serve ourselves AT ALL for the entire meal. But instead we were to serve our "family". You were not allowed to take anything off the table until it was offered to you. And you couldn't ask someone to serve you. (Example: If you wanted eggs you had to wait until someone specifically asked you, "Would you like some eggs?") Sure it doesn't sound that hard, but I dare you to try this with your family.. it's not as easy as it sounds.

The entire goal of this activity is to force you to become more aware of the needs of your family and not to be so focused on yourself and your needs.

Now as a mother I tend to do this quite a bit since my kids aren't to the age that they can actually serve themselves. However, there is a very important person I tend to overlook, my husband. I realized the other day while we were all eating, that I don't pay very close attention to his needs. I tend to have the mentality, "you're able to serve yourself, and I'm trying to get the kids' dinner ready, can't you get it yourself?".... not my best wifely feature.

While doing the dishes last night I was thinking in my head, "What is the underlying thing that makes marriages successful?" and I really believe the answer is: they serve each other. Pride will tell you that shouldn't have to serve, but pride isn't what will make a marriage last. I want to strive for humility and what greater way to do that than to become a servant?

During our premarital counseling with our pastor and his wife they told us about this "game" they have. They will try to out serve each other all day long. They will constantly be paying attention to each other's needs and find ways to meet those needs. They also have one of the most amazing relationships I've ever seen.

Another invaluable thing I learned from "Godly Parenting" is that on the day you entered into a covenant with your spouse (on your wedding day) you became a family. Regardless if you have 19 kids or 0 kids you are a family. It's important to remember that because when those children are all grown up and have left the nest, you still have that special person by your side that you must serve.

I would one day like for this "activity" to become a daily occurrence in my home. I want to raise children who want to serve and can see a person's need without that person having to mention it.

This was my "family" during our meal together.