the waltons :: Christian Home and Family

We’ve been joking about being “The Waltons” in real life… but it’s not so much of a joke anymore.

Due to my dear daughter-in-law’s tough pregnancy, she and my son, and their little boy have moved in with us, so we can help take care of mommy and son while daddy works to put food on the table. We’re glad to do it and happy that the two of them are mature enough in their faith to be humble and accept our help. God’s doing some great things in them through this difficult time, and we’re receiving the benefits of a closer and more connected relationship. We’re finding that we have to be intentional about communication so that misunderstandings and misinterpretations don’t undermine our unity. It’s been a great experience so far. They’ll probably be with us at least through August of this year (when the baby is due). And with our grand-boy around, who is only 11 months old, we’ve even got one up on the Waltons! (They didn’t have any grand-kids in the house.)

The next addition

To make it more interesting… as you read this, my family and I are on a trip to North Carolina. We’ve traveled there to help my in-laws pack their belongings into a moving truck and head to Colorado. They will be living in the downstairs portion of the house we’ve all been given ( you can read that incredible story here ).

Once we’re all under the same roof, our household should be a flurry of activity. There will be many adjustments to make and a great deal of learning to do. We are going to be seeking to work together, as a harmonious Christian family, as we believe God intended. That’s not to say that every family has to have in-laws, out-laws, adult children, or parents living with them. We just believe that God desires to invest His wisdom into the entire family through this kind of setup, and it’s an opportunity we’ve been given to experience His grace all the more.

Granted, there will be difficulties.

But we are all ready to work hard at communication, love, and “bearing with” each other for the sake of a greater good – God’s glory through our family.