Family… relationships established by God from the very beginning. Sometimes these relationships can get lost in the hustle and bustle of day to day life. Driving kids to soccer or baseball practice, homework, church activities, school, meetings…you name it, and you’re doing it! Combine all that with work, laundry, cleaning, paying bills, and your own social activities (if you have time), and being a parent can feel overwhelming. Many times you may feel like your family members are ships passing in the night, not ever really connecting.
Families come to Tejas and experience real connection. It is a wonderful opportunity to get away from all the “urgent” responsibilities we face each day and actually have face to face conversations with our children and/or spouse. Especially when serving the Lord together and accomplishing something for His kingdom while having fun together. Maybe this is even more relevant than our everyday life to “training up a child in the way they should go.” As parents we want to train our children to serve God and others, and to have real relationships. Times away from normal life are more memorable sometimes, making a more lasting impression. At Tejas, parents and their children laugh together, serve together, get dirty together sometimes and sweat together. Most importantly, they love being together! They disconnect from busyness and technology and reconnect with each other and the Lord. This strengthens them as they reenter their normal world and builds skills and relationships that help manage the influences they will face.
Even though we live at Tejas, when Mike and I and our children take time away from our normal activities and serve together as a family, we feel the Lord stirring our hearts and rekindling our love for each other and for Him. Perhaps in addition to praying together, families who serve together stay together.
“But if you are unwilling to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:15