by Stephanie Rodda
So many parents have tackled toy assembly this week as preparations were made for Christmas morning. Instruction sheets were studied carefully by some and completely ignored by others. Occasionally the instructions were missing or in a foreign language that made the task of assembly seem insurmountable.
No matter how frustrating the process is, it must be conquered for the gift to be fully enjoyed. You can give up, grow frustrated or even convince someone else to help you but it must be done if it is to be assembled.
As I considered the assembly required, I was thinking about families and how they too sometimes need to be put together or put back together in some cases. Just as we’d like those doll houses and bikes to come fully assembled, we may wish the same could be said of our families. Oh how we would sigh with relief for a clear set of instructions. Perhaps if there were only a video tutorial to clarify things we wouldn’t make such a mess of it at times.
Just like at the end of an attempted late night assembly session when we look at all the leftover bits and screws and wonder what we forgot to do, we sometimes realize we are holding pieces of family secrets and dramas that we really don’t know what to do with either.
I want to tell you something that this momma knows and knows well. When it comes to families there is some assembly required. And more often than not, it’s complicated. After all there’s no such thing as a generic family with generic instructions. Each is unique. Each is fragile. Each has its strengths. Each is worth it.
Take a moment to look at your family in its present state. Some complications are rather obvious. If a family has experienced a divorce or a death for instance, that is obvious. On the other hand, complications can occur from the most joyous of occasions. A marriage, the addition of a child whether by birth or adoption, changes everything.
Suddenly, just when you thought you knew the way things are to go, you realize there is a missing page to the assembly instructions and you really don’t know what to do next.
If you’re there, right there at that place of wondering how in the world things can possibly come together with so many extra pieces unaccounted for, take a deep breath and ask for help. Never forget that the Lord is concerned about what concerns you. His answers don’t always resemble our own solutions. But He does care and He cares for you.
As writers we may grow impatient with ourselves and the process, but the truth is, even with our writing projects, some assembly is required. As we approach a brand new year we have a perfect opportunity to develop new strategies.
Of course as Christians we have the instruction sheet of all instruction sheets. The Bible is worth taking the time to read and follow carefully. The wisdom found in its pages will help us keep our priorities in order and complete our assignments with excellence.
As time passes and we don’t see the progress we hope for, we may be tempted to put away the manual and take a few shortcuts. If this happens, we may need to pause and remember who has called us and submit to due process, reminding ourselves that even hopes and dreams require some assembly.
“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NLT ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stephanie Rodda is an author, freelance writer, workshop presenter and inspirational speaker. She is a support staff member of the SCWC. Her new podcast, ‘The Not So Empty Nest’ is her newest creative effort.