My mom used to say it, “family is most important.” It seemed like hyperbole when I was a teenager.

Of course family is important, I thought, but so is spending time with other friends, doing fun things, etc. Typical teenager thoughts, young person thoughts, natural. I thought at the time my mom was trying to convince us; as a parent now myself, I think I see a broader perspective.

As a parent I have this thought, and when it comes to mind I proclaim the same in my own head, “family is most important.” I think though, I’m not trying to convince anyone; I’m more making a sort of proclamation. I think maybe by saying it, stating it, it adds another layer of value, of meaning, somehow.

Maybe that proclamation is an outward expression to share the love a little more, and not so much convince.

That’s for sure what I feel. I want my kids to feel the value and the depth and the security of family. And I want them to know how much I value them.

Most important is family. It’s the foundation, if we make it so, if we let it be so. AMEN.