We dream and hope for great things in life. We wish for happiness always. And when we can't find happiness at home, we seek for it elsewhere...from barkadas, movies, etc. One of our best dreams is really to have a happy family and a perfect pair of fathers and mothers. Our parents are gifts that God gave us freely and we didn't have any choice at all. We were born through them. We are alive because they have given us the chance to live, unlike many unborn babies who are aborted.
Can there be an ideal family?
A family is built by persons who are imperfect. No matter how good our parents, our brothers and sisters are, they have their own limitations as much as we have. We are different from one another and we must respect our differences. Oftentimes, these differences bring about misunderstandings, conflicts, cold wars. But, if we really care, then there are no problems that can't be solved. There are no conflicts that can't be settled. If we really care then we are always willing to talk and reconcile. We are willing to accept one another's fault and bear one another's weaknesses. We can offer forgiveness as an expression of our love for one another.
Let us avoid comparing our families with other families. Let us appreciate our own parents as they really are. Let us not expect our parents to be what they are not.
As Filipinos we are noted for our love of family. Our lives, everything we are and have had its origin from our birth, upbringing, and support from our families. However, at present, we are alarmed by the deterioration of family values. We can't help but wonder, " if it is true that the Filipino family plays an important role in the life of the individual and society and its influence is pervasive, why are infidelities in marriages and broken homes becoming more and more common?
Let us again all remember that family is a covenant of love. We build our first community in the family. It is in the family were we have learned the values of acceptance, sharing, fellowship, dialogue, discipline, faith, hope, love and many other virtues.
Reflection:
Let us all reaffirm and confirm that it is in the family where we experience harmony despite our conflicts. It is in the family where we are always forgiven for our small and great sins. It is each family member's responsibility to strengthen family bonds and uphold family values. Each one has a role to play. Each one has a function to do. As one family, we make a great difference!
