Thankfully the crazy year of 2020 is over! 

But with every ending also comes a new beginning. Just like a new unwritten page, 2021 brings with it the potential to be a fresh start for your family. So as you’re thinking through ideas and goals for the next 12 months, why not take some time to discuss and agree upon these three things as a family as you enter 2021? (Because another year doesn’t mean no challenges; it just means new ones.)

  1.    We will RESPECT one another! 

Just like there were times in past year when you fought or disagreed with those you love, this year will no doubt include more of those times as well. But one thing that you don’t have to repeat is the regret that follows how you handled those situations. Respect is a two-way street, even between parents and their children. Determine together that you will listen to one another intentionally, and when necessary, disagree respectfully, regardless of your role in the family. 

Let us therefore follow after things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Romans 14:19

   2.    We will ENJOY one another!

Family life should be fun, especially when you get to spend it with the people you love the most. What could you incorporate into your family this year that would make living together more enjoyable? Maybe some family theme nights, or some special events put on the calendar that you can plan for and anticipate together. Whatever it is, remember that at the end of the day, the goal is that you actually enjoy being with your people – the ones God has placed closest to you in life. 

Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Proverbs 5:18

  3.    We will PRAY with one another! 

After the crazy complexities of the last year, one thing every family could use a little more of is prayer for and with one another. Prayer is literally the ability to tap into the power of God in your family’s life. And who couldn’t use more of that? Could you keep a visible written list of prayer requests in your home? Could you schedule a weekly time to pray together as a family? Could you make it a goal to personally pray with at least one member of your family every day? Whatever you decide, make prayer a priority as a family in 2021.

Pray one for another… The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  James 5:16

3 simple goals. Which of these three resonate the most with you as needed in your family?