Many of us are now beyond the stage of having families of our own to raise. Instead, we’ve stepped into the role of grandparents, or aunties and uncles. These family relationships are incredibly important because the younger generation relies on the wisdom of extended family to guide them.
On this episode of Faith and The Future, Dr Kameel Majdali explains the role of family dynamics in our nurture and development. To a large extent, this kind of thinking is being lost in today’s society. But Kameel believes you cannot put a price on the blessings and benefits of family gatherings.
‘If family matters to us,’ says Kameel, ‘then we need to make the effort to connect. It may not be easy if you have estranged extended family, or you’ve lost the connection. To reconnect after years of neglect will be daunting. But it can happen because I think ultimately everybody wants to belong.’
Strengthening Families
There can also be downsides in the sense that some family members may not share our values, or there is a history that hasn’t been resolved. But God put us in families, and there is support that can come from family that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
‘Especially with grandparents,’ says Kameel, ‘there is a wealth of blessing that can be downloaded. Oftentimes grandparents are free babysitting services. Yet everyone’s happy because grandparents get to have some input with the grandchild, and yet at the same time they can hand them back.’
Kameel believes it’s important to always talk about family positively, even if there are issues. Actions can be detached and forgiven. Key family members need to be honoured, particularly parents. The fifth commandment promises us blessing and a long life when we honour our mother and father.
‘Let’s focus on God’s ideal,’ says Kameel. ‘He puts us in families and if we do make that a priority, we will be greatly enriched, and our families strengthened.’
Listen to Kameel’s full message on Faith and The Future below:
