Family is the building block of society. Strong families make for a strong nation. The strength in combination of diversity in the family can be very powerful.
But this diversity can become differences. The natural tension between individual aspiration and the common good of the family often becomes a challenge.
Decision making can often be on the basis of age rather than point of view. Several adjustments can become difficult. The need for space, not just physical but emotional and intellectual can be overwhelming.
To build strong families we need to understand and respect the needs of others, specially the younger generation. Respect need not be demanded due to age but given to all equally.
Acceptance of a different way of doing things, specially with a different generation shows we have the ability to move with the times and yet protect core practices and values.
Building a culture of open, honest communication is the hallmark of strong and progressive families.
It’s natural that being in such proximity sometimes leads to misunderstandings. These differences need not become divisions.
But the glue that holds families together through all the ups and downs is Love. It not only dissolves our egos at home but brings in us the expansiveness to accept and nurture.
A family that eats together, prays together and plays together, stays together. We may give expression to this in our own way as a family, always being mindful of fun and togetherness.
Our families shape society. If we want to leave the legacy of a strong and equitable society, we need to build strong families.
Yes our motto should be “Create Happy Families for a Strong Nation”
So true…love is the “substratum” which helps glue the family
I don’t know about strong families building strong nations , We have a strong family culture in India , but have an appalling weak nation
Thanks for that perspective. Families build the fabric of society. A strong society gives a nation a better chance of being strong. It’s not just families, a lot of other factors help build a strong nation. So yes, you are right, sometimes we see a strong family culture and yet several weaknesses. We need to be mindful that as we build out other strengths, we retain our strong family culture because losing that will throw up other challenges for us.
Thanks for sharing about family Vivek. Over the years my thoughts have changed. I too use to think exactly the same way that you have shared.
Sometimes friends become family & family members become strangers. It’s all about relationships. We were told blood is thicker than water but many of us have seen strangers proving a point which was never expected. Though I come from a very happy upbringing thanks to my family, sadly I don’t see it around….. with one child program going on in many families …… we will have to adopt our friends into our families for emotional support I feel 😀🙏🌹
Thanks for sharing this Rekha.
I could not agree with you more .
A secure happy childhood with your family builds and Strengthens bonds In a way that infuences so May aspects of your life as an adult also .
Thanks Vivek. I was thinking of the parallels between our own families and IofC as a family. Your points about diversity, generational learning and communication are all relevant. But the glue of love is the essence of a healthy relationship. Not that there aren’t differences of opinion but the true mark of a healthy family is the love that transcends our differences.
Beuatifully put Lorne, thanks for this !
Family is what sees us through difficult time but family extends beyond blood. Being away from family makes you build bonds as strong as family and the diversity of those bonds teaches you so much.
Very true…the ability to include others in our definition of family displays our abundance and understanding that blood is not the only criteria. But we can only do this when we operate from love and inclusiveness and see the diversity, not as a diversity but as a oneness at a fundamental level.