The two great responses – part 4

“Spy Kids” was a series of family films that came out several years ago. The story is of a family of spies with cool gadgets and gizmos. After a “dangerous adventure” that ends with dramatic success and epic music, one of the spy kids says, “Family is the greatest adventure of all!”

Truly, family is one of life’s greatest adventures.

Jesus says the two greatest commandments are: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

In the midst of raising kids, it is easy to minimize God in our lives. The pressures of making life work every day are unending. Yet, something incredible happens when we keep pursuing God in the midst of it all – we see just how much He loves and cares for us.

My wife, Bev, and I try to do two things every day in seeking God – we pray together and read from God’s Word. It doesn’t always happen, but we never give up. In the simple effort of praying and reading God’s Word, we connect with God and sense His love and care for us, even when the tough things come.

By loving God with everything we’ve got, we connect with the depth of His love for us. His love is so much better than our love. An amazing thing happens next… His love flows through us to our kids. In effect, Bev and I are loving our kids as we love ourselves.

In my journey of parenting, I have come up against myself in so many ways. I have experienced me being selfish, greedy, controlling, angry, passive… (you get the point). Yet, by leaning into Jesus’ two great responses, I experience how much I am loved, and that love is shared with my children. My kids actually experience Jesus’ love through me.

As you continue on the great adventure of family, thank Jesus for pointing out the two greatest commandments. Pursue them, and it will change your family life.

Ed McDowell, Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center