31 days, 31 questions, 31 answers - Day 10

I read an article by author, professor and theologian Don Whitney that listed 31 questions to consider for a new year. I decided that I will answer one question each day in January. Here is the tenth question, and my answer.

1.      What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in 10 years? In eternity? The plan that will matter most in 10 years is my commitment to spend real, quality time with my family. We have in the past tried to have a “Family Night” in which we learned a Bible story and participated in a fun event, such as a board game, a trip to the local ice cream store, etc. As anyone who has tried “Family Night” can attest, these nights are often failures. We’ve had the Family Nights where our children are more interested in running around the room than sitting down for a Bible story, or our minds are stuck on work rather than focusing on Family Night, etc. And we have ceased Family Nights because it becomes more of a chore than a time of bonding. However, now that our kids are a little older, we are better able to do some focused activities. Our kids have been learning an age-appropriate catechism, and they are really good at it. Our son really seeks to make links between things, and he is ready for some good Bible stories. But, we as a family are also in need to spending time together and having fun, and Family Night should be fun. I think what will matter most in 10 years time, and in eternity, is leading our children in the path of Christ. I pray that they one day place faith in Christ, and I pray that they do so partly because of watching their parents’ expressed love of God.