Where does the line of over bearing parents and heaving a healthy relationship with parents fall? How do we know if we are obeying God's commands to honour your father and mother or disobeying the "then they shall leave their father and mother and become one" law? I want to be respectful and loving towards both in-laws and parents, but how do we stand firm as a family unit? I often wonder if living further from our parents would be too challenging. We love our families dearly, but do we spend too much time with them, or rely on them too often? Our family backgrounds are both similar yet so different at the same time. I watch families around me and listen to stories of how their life has fallen to pieces. It is easy to see how a family can crumble down so quickly when we all have our own opinions, our own experiences, and our own personalities.
Take for example the wonderful game of hockey. I view it through my lens; the youngest daughter of a Swedish, semi-pro hockey player. Swedes are generally a peaceful people. Hitting is foolish, especially when it's planned. If a player on the opposing team comes up and begins to fight you then don't fall back. However, on the same note don't decide, I feel like getting a five minute penalty, and just start fighting for the sake of momentum. The point of the game is to score goals, if you wanted to fight you should have gone into wrestling or boxing. I know that is far from most people's positions on fighting in hockey, but I was taught fighting is wrong. So why people seek it out I do not understand in my naive way of thinking.
I know that I have grown up in a sheltered and conservative bubble. I didn't understand what any swear words were until I was half way through elementary. I was never exposed to fighting, I cannot remember my parents ever arguing. And I was completely oblivious to male anatomy to say the least. Although it is easy to tease and joke about, I am thankful for my upbringing. I am thankful I didn't have to deal with many difficult circumstances.
All that to say, I know I am naive in my thinking, I know I have a great deal to learn. I want to understand how to love God and love others. How do I love those who irritate me, how do I teach my children to love in context of sports, how do I love from a healthy distance? So many questions, I am excited to see how the Lord leads and guides me on a journey of faith and life. I am excited to see where my relationships will be in a year time. Who will I be closer to, who will I have distanced? I look forward to seeing how we grow as a family unit rather than two individuals from different families raise more little people. I am excited as we get to know other Godly families and connect with our church community. Life is never easy, there will always be challenges along the way. Thankfully, we don't have to face those challenges alone. The Creator of Heaven and earth wants to lead us and show us in the way of righteousness. We just need to humble ourselves and be willing to follow.
