Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections

PARENTS PAGE

March 24-27, 2010

Making Time for Heart Connections—Richard Ross, Ph.D.

     1. Heart Surprise (Today a teenager goes first): When it’s your turn, say: It’s a blessing to know that

watching me makes you more positive about marriage. If Christ leads you to marry, here are some

joys I hope you experience in that relationship . . .

     2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Luke 10:38-42. Discuss the

Truth and Untruths in light of this passage.

Truth

• Making time to invest in family relationships should take priority over many other activities.

Untruths

• Parents and teens should pursue their dreams without worrying about family relationships.

• Because extracurricular activities are fun and open doors for the future, they should take priority

over family needs.

• Parents need to maximize their earning potential despite its impact on relationships at home.

     3. Explore Scripture: Read aloud Luke 10:38-42. Point out Jesus’ words to Martha. Say: Bible scholars

say that the Greek used here suggests that Jesus thought Martha’s preparations and activities were

excessive. In other words, she may have been going overboard in her efforts to make everything

just right. Point out that Martha received a gentle reprimand for placing activity above time with

Jesus, while Mary received His affirmation for stopping to deepen her heart connection with Him. Say:

Sometimes what we do affects not only our relationship with Jesus, but also our relationships with

one another as family members. Some activities are valuable and part of balanced kingdom living.

But activities that are excessive and that weaken heart connections do more harm than good.

     4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step.

     5. Nail It Down: Point out that every member of the family has personal goals and enjoys certain

activities. Emphasize that those things can be celebrated when they are kept in balance. Say: But we

have to avoid becoming so busy that our heart connections with each other suffer. Work that helps

meet the financial needs of our family is valuable, and excelling at activities can be positive. But an

overwhelming schedule that weakens our family is not part of God’s plan.

     6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer.

     7. Blessing: Say: I bless this family for our decisions to invest time in relationships.

Parent Tip: As with so many other areas of life, your ability to drive home the importance of heart connections

rests in the example you set for your family members. Evaluate your schedule this week and see where you

may be falling short. Commit to dealing with things that might be getting in the way of you making personal

heart connections with God and with your family.

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