The family has been at the core of human development since time immemorial. The first man, according to Judea-Christian tradition, even after the Fall, (1) was allowed to form a family. Though problems did occur, with God eventually deciding to cleanse the world with the Flood, (2) he still allowed Noah and his relations to survive and build a civilization.
There is great concern today, however, in our contemporary world, for the family and what that unit truly means. Is it nothing but an economic entity that can be exploited and utilized for financial gain — or is it something far more perilous, the unification of two lonely people devoid of children — their nurturing and raising being far too difficult and arduous?
These are telling questions in our Post-Modern Age. (3) What will the future portend? It is most assuredly true that for any institution or association to grow it needs a modicum of discipline and self-control. Nothing can be achieved by letting things just happen naturally. There is no instruction as to how to create a family so all of us can only learn from our parents and grandparents. I speak from personal experience.
To this end, I have asked many of my students if they make their beds. The answer is usually no. Then, who makes the bed? The alacritous reply is ordinarily my mother or no one at all. Now, this can’t be good. If we cannot begin the day by making our bed, what will be the next poorly completed task? I then pursue the concept of dinner, a meal together. What time is supper normally? This is also given an indeterminate response.
A repas is one of the few ways in 21st-century society that we can coalesce as a collective and share our everyday experiences. No family meeting once a day and then how do we have a common goal and sense of direction? Finally, the closing of the day. I often pass young, and I mean young, children out late at night. This is not because of some uncontrollable emergency, the child is simply brought for some task by some errant caregiver or parent. All pediatricians tell us that children need sleep to mature and grow.
Finally, perhaps the most important of all. Does the modern family have a religion — any worship? This is attending a ceremony that suggests that there is something bigger than me, something that fills me with a sense of hope. If not, then how does a family inculcate a young person with a sense of life?
I genuinely suspect that we live in a good-enough age, a time that apologizes for mediocrity and the average. Nonetheless, it will be necessary to encourage these traditional traits of discipline and religiosity given that we want humanity and its adherents to once again blossom. Cicero (4) leaves us with a thought: The first bond of society is the marriage tie; the next our children; then the whole family of our house, and all things in common.
A closing thought: The speed of our current world does not easily fit into the slowness of time. Families are by their very nature not hurried institutions. They take time to develop a sense of loyalty and togetherness. Our collective history has been the relating of relationships and how they have unfolded. “Blood is thicker than water” (5) is true of any age, any epoch. We must simply be patient, it will only be a matter of time before the family unit, once again, regains its value and dominion.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about the family.
To be noted: From Mahatma Gandhi (6) — Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
Just for fun:
For reflection:
This week, on your reflective walk, please deliberate on your family and what it means to you and your life.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: Family is how you define yourself.
Footnotes:
1) Fall, the
4) The Life and Death of Cicero