By Monica Evans

One of the keys to our lives is the proper understanding of agency. It is a gift from God which gives us the opportunity to make our own choices. Since the course of our lives is determined by the accumulation of daily choices we make, we must choose wisely. The effects of proper choices are needed personally and in our families. When we choose a course for our family, we can think in terms of creating an “intentional family.”

Creating an intentional family means we understand that what our family ultimately becomes is up to us. So yes, that does mean that most of what is going on right now is a result of past choices. (The rest might be tests from the Lord to see how well you choose to turn to Him for help.) Think about that fact, even if it’s uncomfortable. Study the scriptures and pray for inspiration on changes your family needs to make to fine-tune your course through life.

Creating an intentional family also means that we make a choice to embrace whatever situation we have right now. This choice empowers us to live more fully whether we have the family situation we want or a broken heart from wishing, working and praying for that ideal. That might mean choosing to love stepchildren or a newly married in-law, or choosing to remain strong despite the choices of a wayward child.

Here are a few key choices to make as a family: What is your purpose as a family? Where do you see yourselves in one, two, five and ten years? How will your family change or improve?

Work with your family(s). Learn what each of you enjoy. Find out about your heritage and incorporate each other’s background to create a family rich in knowledge, understanding and love. Set an intention of how you want your relationships to look and feel. Let go of yesterday and embrace today! The Lord is working to bring to pass great things through you. How much do you want His gifts?

Journal where your family is right now, then try this exercise during Family Home Evenings over the next two months and journal on the changes you have noticed as a family. Each person gets to talk, without interruption for two minutes about what they see.
Be aware of each other, listen and effectively communicate your thoughts and feelings.
Then watch great things unfold.

Monica Evans is a life coach who helps clients through adoptions, interventions, single parenting, enhancing families and step parenting. Her website is www.thecoachinglighthouse.com, her phone number is 702-448-5010.