No Sunday Morning Worship Gathering 12/31 - Check YouTube or the link under events for a video devotional

Living on Mission as a Family: Bringing a Slice of Heaven to Earth

Imagine a family that doesn't just stick to their own little bubble, but instead, they're all about throwing their doors wide open, sharing their lives, and spreading serious love and kindness around their neighborhood. This isn't about being superheroes or doing big, flashy things. It's more about being on a mission together to show the world a little bit of what God's love looks like in the everyday – you know, bringing a slice of heaven down to earth for other folks to get a taste of.

A family living on a mission is essentially a team that's all in on making their corner of the world a better place by being super intentional about who they hang out with and how they can share blessings around. It means their home is not just their safe haven but a hotspot for hospitality and all sorts of good vibes.

Take, for instance, the simple act of inviting another family over for dinner. It might seem small, but it's a mega way to show love and build community. And here's a twist: why not invite your family into the conversation and let them suggest who to invite? It's a way to get the whole family involved in this mission of hospitality. So, it becomes a family decision, saying, "Hey, we see you, we care about you, and we've got food to share!" It's about making connections and letting relationships blossom over a shared meal.

Or how about stepping up to lend a hand when another family is going through a rough patch? Imagine finding out a neighbor's struggling – maybe it's a job loss, a health scare, or just a series of tough breaks. Instead of just thinking, "That's too bad," a mission-minded family gets into action mode. They could whip up some meals, offer to babysit, or just drop by with a listening ear and an encouraging word. It's about being a beam of light and support when things seem pretty dark.

Another cool idea that holds particular significance for families with adult children or those entering the empty nest phase is becoming mentors to other families. For these seasoned couples or individuals, there is a treasure trove of lived experiences, lessons learned about what worked or didn't, and wisdom gained through trials and triumphs. It's essential to recognize how God can redeem our experiences by allowing us to share them with younger families, offering guidance, support, and hope.

However, it's crucial to understand that this influential role can only thrive within the context of built relationships. Sharing life lessons and family advice is incredibly impactful when done with families you have developed a strong bond with. Offering unsolicited advice to families you barely know can come across as odd or even intrusive. Remember, mentorship is not about being overbearing but about being available and approachable. The goal is not to impose but to share in a way that is respectful and considerate of others' boundaries. This way, mentorship becomes not only a gift to others but a rewarding journey for those who offer it. The most outstanding advice comes draped in love, sincere concern, and genuine friendship – never from a place of assumption. Let's embrace the opportunity to mentor, but let's do it in a way that builds up and encourages, without ever crossing the line into being, well, weird.

Choosing to live as a mission-driven family is about more than just doing good deeds. It's about weaving the Kingdom of God into the fabric of everyday life. It turns ordinary moments into opportunities to show kindness, share life, and spread some of that divine love around.

 
-ti

Terry Ishee
Lead Pastor
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