Family Gathering Ground Rules

Family gathering ground rules: Adapted from Romans 12:9-18

I wrote this for a Thankgiving presentation to a group of mothers of pre-schoolers. It would apply to most family gatherings. Peace.

Be truthful to your heart. Love must be sincere.
Guests will not badmouth or beat on each other. Hate what is evil; Praise kids and adults alike for clearing the table and using their manners. cling to what is good. Keep your eyes off your spouse’s hot cousin. Be devoted to one another in love. Let your spouse have the last of the coveted apple pie. Honor one another above yourselves. Keep the laughter loud, but kind. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Don’t throw cold water on junior’s dream of designing the first rocket-powered skateboard. Be joyful in hope, Be patient with Aunt Edna’s ever-recited list of aches. patient in affliction, Say more than “Rub a dub dub, Thanks for the Grub, Yeah God.” faithful in prayer. Take a plate to the fellow across the street who worked all day and came home to an empty house. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Better yet, invite him over. Practice hospitality.

Give blessings to your relatives even as they criticize how you discipline your kids. Bless those who persecute you; Offer up your children to them for a weekend. bless and do not curse. Cheer loudly when your niece tinkles in the potty in the middle of dinner. Rejoice with those who rejoice; Cry with your sister whose husband’s in Iraq. mourn with those who mourn. You’re all a bit different, but try to get along. Live in harmony with one another. Remember that we all put our undies on one leg at a time, whether they’re Victoria’s Secret or Hanes Her Way. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Don’t feel the need to flash your thong. Do not think you are superior.

If your brother flings a pea from across the table, don’t return the favor with a spoonful of mashed potatoes. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Serve turkey, not quiche. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Give all the children the same size dessert helping. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.