Making time for family

We’ve recently celebrated Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, times when we honor and express gratitude to our parents. These holidays also give us an opportunity to reflect upon the state of the family.

Recent events have reminded us that the family is under attack from all sides. On one side are efforts to undermine and radically redefine the family. On another side are things like illegal drugs,

pornography, infidelity, abuse, etc., which can destroy even the strongest of families. On yet another side are excessive activities, which while good and worthwhile, can prevent families from spending sufficient quality time together.

The apostle Paul, in writing to the Ephesians, counseled fathers to “bring [children] up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Parents have the weighty responsibility of raising their children in truth and righteousness. God has entrusted us with His children. Not only are we obligated to teach them right from wrong, we need to show them by example as well. Regarding this responsibility, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have taught that “no success can compensate for failure in the home.” Similarly, “the most important of the Lord’s work that you will ever do will be the work ... within the walls of your own home.”

In an effort to strengthen our families, please allow me to share with you a program that has worked well among members of our church. It’s called Family Home Evening, and it’s just that: one evening a week spent at home with your family. Essentially, there are three components:

--Family: No matter the size or makeup of your family, the important part is being together with your loved ones.
--Home: Home is where children best learn the gospel of Jesus Christ.
--Evening: Evenings usually work well; however, you may find a different time works better.

Setting aside a weekly time, perhaps the same day of the week, is the key to make sure it happens. At least with our family, if it doesn’t get on the calendar, chances are it won’t happen.

Our church has reserved Monday evenings for this purpose. As such, no official church meetings or activities are held on this day. Since this program’s beginnings in 1915, millions of church members around the world have held Family Home Evening with great success.

A typical Family Home Evening at our house starts with a hymn and a prayer. Next, we have a lesson given by a member of the family. Recent topics have included faith, honesty, respect, education and frugality. Since our kids are young, we try to keep the lessons fairly short and to the point. After the lesson, we have some sort of family activity. It could be a game, a walk, a bike ride, watching a movie — whatever it is, just make sure it’s together with your family. Oh, and don’t forget dessert!

As Paul wrote to Timothy, “perilous times shall come” in the last days. Given our current situation, and specifically the fragile state of the family, let us resolve to keep our families strong through gospel teaching and quality time together.

Let me end with a promise given by the leaders who instituted this program:

“We promise that great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase, faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth ... and they will gain power to combat the evil influences and temptations which beset them.”