9-30-11 Hey Kids…

Last weekend we went to our first monthly hymn sing in about 18 months. Some of us really enjoyed it, while some of us went only because some of us others wanted to go.

This got us thinking about life in a family and how we all have to give and take to get along and enjoy being together.

Here is some history which you may or may not know.

Growing up, Mom’s family almost always went to the monthly hymn sing.

Growing up, Dad’s family almost never went to the monthly hymn sing.

When Dad & Mom got married, we agreed to alternate months. That’s called give and take, and it has worked well for the last eighteen years.

Until the last 18 months, however, when life and busy-ness somehow conspired to cheat Mom of going. Does that mean Mom gets all bent out of shape about it? Of course not. It just means that common sense prevails. When illness and other plans interfere, there is – what? – give and take.

It’s a basic life principle that we want you kids to learn and live. In life, as in a family, you must learn to give and take with others on a daily, hourly basis, never being duped into believing the old lie of “My Way Or The Highway.”

My Way Or The Highway brings little happiness, we can assure you. We’ve seen it, and you’ve seen it, and we’ve all talked about it, and you know what we mean.

Give and take, always. You will be much happier.

One more thing, specifically about singings.

Do you know what it means when some folks go to the monthly hymn sing and some don’t? Do you think it matters that some in our family really enjoy singing and others don’t so much? Does it mean some are better people? Better Christians? Better singers? Closer to God? Love God more?

Nope.

None of the above.

Here’s what it means: It means that some folks enjoy going to the monthly hymn sing, and some folks don’t.

That’s it. That’s all it means. Don’t ever try to make it mean anything else, because it doesn’t mean anything else.

Always remember the principle from the monthly hymn sing:

Give and take.

Always.

You will be much happier for it.

Keep on keepin’ on.

Dad & Mom