Growing a purposeful family

Ever get your kids in the car and they ask you, "Mom, where are we going?" We always have an answer for them don't we. It's either we are going to Target, the grocery store, church, MOPS, school, etc. They know they can trust us to get them from point A to point B and know where we are going. But what if we look at that more in depth. When they ask us Mom where are we going, can you answer them when you aren't in the car. Where are you going in life? What kind of journey are you taking your kids on? How are you raising them to grow up? Will they be prepared for the future? Of course this is all the jobs of both mom and dad and to set examples for our children but when we are stay at home moms it's more so our job to raise our children and set examples. Think about where you are now, what makes your family unique? What are your family's values? For me I have to say the 3 most important values are the 3 F's: Faith, Family, and FUN! It's important to bring your children up with Faith. Let them know who God is, learn about it, talk about it, read about it. At the end of the day we can not force them to know God and let God in their heart but if we work with our children at a young age they will learn it. It will become a routine to them. They will know it is what they need to do. The next thing is Family. Kids need security. They need to know they feel safe and they are being taken care of. As parents it is our job to make sure they know what family is and that family will always be there for them no matter what. It doesn't matter if it's 5 people in your family or 500 people. The third thing is FUN, you have to have fun along the way. Enjoy every second with your child. Know that at the end of the day your house might not be spotless but your child will grow up remembering that mommy or daddy were on the floor playing with them, laughing, reading books, etc. They are not going to remember my house was always so spotless unless that is all you wrap yourself in and they will remember mommy wasn't there to play with me because she spent 10 hours cleaning all day. Give them the attention they need and make them feel safe. When you spend a lot of time with your kids and talk to them and make them feel as an important part of the family they will grow to know they can trust you. They will know they can come to you whenever they need to and they can talk to you about anything no matter what it is.
Now step back from today and picture your life in 10 years (yes it is scary to think about). Ryan will be 15 1/2 and will be driving YIKES! Carter will be 14 and our new baby will be 9 1/2. How would you describe your kids/family? Now think as they turn 18 and are leaving the house, what would be a goal that you would want them to know? For me, I want them to know Jesus, and I also want them to know how to be their own person. Be a leader not a follower. I want them to know how to be loyal to each other. I don't want them to ever feel like there has to be sibling rivalry, I want them to be there for each other, support one another, care for one another.
Ok so how are we going to grow a purposeful family? Think of things that brings you and your family together like dinner at the dinner table, church, and family nights. What kind of things take us away from each other? Cell phones, work, tv, the internet are probably at the top of the list for all families. So now we chose our route on how we are going to get there to be a purposeful family and stay away from the things that isolate us from one another. WE WILL go to church each Sunday and eat dinner together each night. WE WON'T forget where we came from and hold grudges. WE DON'T compare ourselves to others. We need to know what matters most and live with purpose.