Be careful when you look at another family’s difficulties in their relationships, that you be careful not to pass judgment unnecessarily.  Don’t assume that you can discern the “whys” when you think you know what caused their problems.  Be careful that you don’t believe you can totally protect yourself from trouble in your family.  It’s quite possible you will suffer some brokenness too, if you haven’t yet.

I couldn’t be so vain as to say I know that all families will have hurtful relationships, because I don’t know that much.  But didn’t Jesus himself teach us that “in this world you will have tribulation?”  That’s a promise we may not want to think about, but if he suffered on account of others, who are we to think that it won’t also happen to us?

Walk humbly before your God, and recognize that he may allow situations that you wouldn’t have believed could happen in your family.  Consider carefully what he has actually promised to do for you, and don’t presume you will have what he hasn’t promised.  Read his word thoughtfully and ask him for what you want, but don’t tell him what he must do for you.  Put it in his hands and trust him.  He promised there’d be trouble, but then he told us to not be heavy-hearted about it because he overcame it all.

Allow him to be who he is.  He has gone through tribulation, and he promised to be with us, our Emmanuel.  And be who you are.  Cry to him when it hurts.  Include him in your discussions and give him room to work where you don’t see him working.  Zip up your lips if you are starting to go to those negative places around other people that might actually do damage.  It’s ok to admit you don’t understand, but don’t cast blame, no matter how right you are.  You may actually be wrong to some degree.

-just a few holiday thoughts for those who may feel more sensitive at this time of year. Emmanuel is with us, and he has overcome.