Take Back Your Family 5-Day Plan Sample

It seems there is this American idea that your siblings are inconsequential—almost accidental. And they don’t really matter to your well-being or individual goals and pursuits.

But have you ever met any team, ever, who’d say their teammates are inconsequential?

In the typical Western home this plays out a few different ways. First, it plays out in fierce and toxic competition (there is good competition, but that’s not what we are talking about here).

And this really shows itself every time a new kid comes into the picture. Either the team gets better, or everyone’s piece of the pie gets smaller. It’s one or the other.

Siblings are like teammates who bring a specific gifting and wiring that the family team needs. This is why every time we have a kid, we immediately ask God, “What gap on our team are you trying to fill?”

What if pregnancies didn’t scare us, or we didn’t immediately think of the economic implications (even though this isn’t easy and is my default) but instead thanked God. What if we focused on the fact that this child is an obvious sign that he saw a gap on our team and decided to help us fill it? Maybe he knew we needed a tender, sensitive spirit to round out our family’s rough edges. Or maybe he knew we needed a spontaneous, adventurous girl to help push our risk and comfortability? Or maybe he gave us a child with a brilliant mind to help us think critically through our family’s mission over the years.

Another kid means another team member!

And that’s how we should talk to kids about each other with statements like: “Aren’t we so glad God gave us little baby Lucy? I can’t wait to learn more about her and why God decided to count us lucky enough to have her on our team.” Or, “You two are siblings, not enemies. God gave you each other to be a constant friend, provider, and teammate for life that will outlast even the relationship you have with us parents!”

Prayer

Father, I love the team members you have placed in my family, and I thank you for allowing me to be on this team with them. Please help us work together to glorify your name. Amen.