The Holy Family.

Joseph and Mary were specially chosen by God Himself. To their care was Jesus entrusted. They were to provide, care and protect the "Promised Child". Through all, God knew that His Son was in good hands.

The environment in which Jesus grew must have been conducive to Gods plans. This environment must also have been a reflection of God the Father's being and existence. This environment we call: Family.

The idea of family, especially as projected by Jesus, Mary and Joseph is crucial in meditating upon the Holy Trinity, the Church, our own families and society at large. The Holy Family gives an indication of the relationship between God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It serves as an example to the Church and Families. They show us how we are to live and interact.

Yes, the living together as family can be at times difficult but can we truly say that without the family we can become better human beings? It's when the structure of a family disappears, when mutual love and support are non-existent, that we experience even more difficulties and trauma.

It's within the family, that its members realize that they belong, are loved, needed and will be aided in their personal growth.

Yarm: Our human nature is both complex and delicate at times. The family provides for the ongoing growth in our human, material, spiritual development. This development does not cease when you're an adult, it's a life-long process!

Investment Time!

We are all limited to whatever time is available. I'm not referring to our life-span but to the amount of time we have remaining for all our daily activities. We have "work-time", "over-time", "family-time", "bed-time" and even "quality-time" to name but a few. These periods may be commitments that we may have entered into and are therefore obliged to keep.

We can sell or give our precious time according to our liking or needs; others can do the same for us, e.g in gainful employment, our employer buys our labour and time. What we can't do is create more hours in a day. We certainly know this fact! But we don't act as if the day consisted of a finite amount of time! We simply fill up our time-table as if it were a bag, until one day, it simply explodes!

Now, here's a concept that mostly everyone wishes to elude: "making-time". Make time for yourself, your partner, your family and friends, and even leisure. A lot of time may be required to keep our families, moreso if you're the breadwinner. They also need our personal time as well. We need to "spend-time" with close individuals who not only need us but love us.

How much time do I offer to God? Do I spend some time in quiet prayer and meditation? Can I just stop what I'm doing for a few moments and think about God or His Word? Or am I one of those who says: "Sorry can't stop. I'm in a rush. I haven't got time today!"

Yarm's Message: Spending-time with family, friends and those in need is the best investment.