Apparently contentious church members and disorderly congregations aren't modern inventions. The churches Paul worked with had their share of internal chaos and disagreements. Homes are like that, too. In fact, I don't often look at Better Homes and Gardens magazine because it fouls up my sense of reality. At our house, the second law of thermodynamics-which says everything in the universe is moving from order to disorder-is fully operative.
I came home from work one day to find the garbage disposal clogged, the dishwasher broken and the house cluttered. Our 3-year-old was sick, Cheerios covered the floor, and our 12-month-old had her fist full of melting chocolate chips. Our 5-year-old was still recovering from a broken arm, and our 10- and 8-year-olds complained in unison of tummy aches.
On another day, however, these same children served Barbara and me an elegant meal-at the "Eat All You Can Eat Cafe" (our living room). The gourmet menu was handcrafted from construction paper. Smiling children waited on us with towels draped over their arms, big grins and polite thank-yous.
These contrasting stories represent reality in the life of a large but very normal family. Authentic, normal Christian families aren't perfect.
But we are learning. We are learning that selfish people don't last long in relationships. And we need to be authentic and admit when we're wrong. We're also trying to give generous portions of praise to one another.
We have come to realize we are not very good listeners. How can a child feel valued if no one listens to him or her? How can a couple be real if neither mate asks a question or ponders the answer?
The world today cries out for people who live in real families, who represent a God who has given them something real-something better than Better Homes and Gardens.
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