So then, we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another. Romans 14:19
Spring is the perfect
season to introduce something new because it’s a time of rebirth when all of
nature once again sends forth her bounty. It’s also a time of planting for the
growth of summer. Living on Long Island, we are surrounded by this process and
can watch it happen day by day as we pass the farm fields and vineyards.
This column is a new
beginning. It will appear once a month as an encouragement for a rebirth of
interest in marriage and family enrichment. Hopefully it will plant seeds and
offer enough nourishment so they will grow.
In
the coming months, the seeds I hope to plant here will include self,
differences, spirituality, healing, communication, family rules and roles,
conflict resolution, forgiveness, parenting styles, problem solving, decision
making and addiction.
The column will be written with
everyone in mind whether you are in a traditional family, a single parent family
or a blended family. Even if you are a single person, the material presented
here can be helpful because you are still part of a family.
Hopefully, as you read the
column you will find yourself being challenged to
change or take a step towards a new awareness of something. Perhaps it will help
you to see a new perspective on a long-standing family problem or you might even
find yourself being encouraged to explore those long forgotten hopes and dreams.
Next month, I will explore the
topic of self because I believe it is the place where all else originates. Fr.
John in his sermon on the 1st Sunday of Lent spoke of three modern
day temptations. The first one he said was the temptation to not do any inner
work. It has been my experience in working with many people who sought
counseling that the last place they wanted to look for solutions to their
difficulties was inward. Agreeing with Fr. John that it is a real modern day
temptation to not want to explore the inner life, this is where I will begin.
Shalom
Mary Anne Dejewski