All of us are concerned about the busyness of life. Many often remark that “there is no time for family, it’s life today.” As we approach the Season of Lent it is a great time to make a special Lenten Family Resolution to Guard against intrusion by focusing on intimacy in family life. Here are a few practical suggestions to keep family life healthy and to foster intimacy with each other.
Control the Family Calendar: Plan family events first and then try and schedule meetings and outside commitments, then when people demand excessive time, you can honestly respond: “I already have something scheduled.”
Take Charge of Your Electronics: Turn off the phone and turn on the answering machine during meals. People will leave messages. Turn off the noise, especially the television. It should be a reward, not an intrusion or constant companion. Instead, turn on good conversation.
Determine How You Will Start and Finish Each Day: Since all our lives are so busy, we should make sure we plan both ends of the day. Meet for family prayer time (e.g. Rosary) or share in some scripture. Be consistent. Simple things add peace, intimacy and memories for your family. Watch the sunrise together, cook French toast together, eat together.
Think of creative ways to help your family relax from the day’s activities. Play games after homework. Set aside prayer time before bedtime; enforce bedtimes. Both children and adults need rest and how we finish one day may determine how we begin the next.
Intrusion does not have to be a way of life. Intimacy can be. Refuse a life with a toxic schedule that can harm family and spiritual life. Accept a balanced approach which guards against intrusion and focuses on intimacy.
This Lent, let’s focus on Guarding against intrusion By focusing on intimacy in family life, it will make for a special Lent and a great Easter!