Family Time

Today’s theme is: Family Time — celebrating the people who shape us, love us, and sometimes drive us a little bit crazy.

Psalm 133:1 (NLT) says, “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”

Whether your family is big, small, blended, calm, or wonderfully chaotic, this morning we’re leaning into the joy of togetherness — the moments that make us laugh, the traditions that bring us close, and the love that holds us together.

You know what’s funny about family time? It rarely looks like the perfectly staged photos we see online.

Real family time is kids asking for snacks right after eating.

It’s someone losing the remote — again.

It’s laughter, love, and one person who ALWAYS falls asleep during movie night (that’s a toss-up in our house — there are a few of us who fall asleep).

But that’s what makes it special.

It’s not polished. It’s not perfect.

It’s beautifully, hilariously real.

And God loves to work right in the middle of that realness. He is with us in every moment.

Family was God’s idea from the very beginning.

He places us in families to support us, strengthen us, and help us grow.

Colossians 3:14 (NLT) says, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”

Family time — even the simple moments like meals, conversations, or riding in the car — has a way of bonding hearts.

It’s love in motion.

It’s where we learn patience, grace, forgiveness, and the kind of love that lasts a lifetime.

God not only knit us together — He chose our families as well, because He knows exactly what and who we need.

Some of the sweetest family moments happen at the table.

A meal. A conversation. A shared memory.

Growing up, my family always made it a point to have dinner together every night, and that’s something we’ve done with our children as well. It’s a special time — one that will be carried through life.

These are where memories are made.

And no matter what the food looks like — whether it’s homemade, takeout, or a combination of leftovers — God uses those moments to knit our hearts together.

It’s not about the table setting… it’s about the people around it.

Who you surround yourself with real does matter.

Family time — the gift of the people God places in our world to laugh with us, challenge us, and love us unconditionally. Family isn’t always perfect, but it is always purposeful.

I know that growing up with a close-knit family shaped me and helped me appreciate what I had. It felt purposeful, and I hope to continue that with my children as well.

Let’s talk about family vacations for a moment, I mean there is so much family time rolled into a family vacation.

There’s always one person who forgets something important — like the sunscreen, or the snacks… or the luggage.

Then there’s the human GPS who refuses to use an actual GPS.

And of course, the itinerary-maker who has every minute planned out. Sometimes we can be so attached to our schedule that we miss out of some fun moments.

But no matter how chaotic things get, those moments turn into memories we laugh about for years.

Family time doesn’t require perfection — just togetherness.

Every family has traditions — some sweet, some silly, some handed down for generations.

Traditions remind us that we belong somewhere. That we’re connected.

And that no matter how the world changes, some things remain beautifully familiar.

Every family needs grace — and lots of it.

Grace for the messes.

Grace for the moods.

Grace for the misunderstandings.

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) says, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”

Family time is where grace gets practiced the most.

It’s where we learn the art of forgiveness and the beauty of unconditional love.

And God meets us right in the middle of it.

So, let’s pray and ask God to help us seek out the grace that is needed.

Family time goes fast — sometimes too fast.

Cherish the small moments: the conversations, the laughter, the hugs, the shared meals, and yes… even the chaos.

These ordinary moments become the memories we hold onto for a lifetime.

God uses family to teach us love, patience, joy, and grace.

And no matter what your family looks like, God is right there in the middle of it all.