Family Communication Highway - Part 2

Babies communicate effectively with their faces, attitudes, coos and cries. A mom knows if the cry is serious or just grumpy. However, once a young man / lady starts to transition from adolescence into teen years the communication gap gets strained. Today’s youth carry on several conversations at a time via text, twittering and all the while sitting bored at the family supper table. It sounds sophisticated but not very effective.
 
Generally speaking (no pun intended) we are too busy, distracted, lazy and self-absorbed. Let’s get out of our rut and back on the road of meaningful communication. How do we get back on the road? Even our vehicle roadways provide signage about what’s ahead. A family communication highway needs signs to ensure full participation of effective sending, receiving, and feedback with a common ground of respect.
 
Try adding to this list to strengthen family communication:
 
Commit to being a good communicator
Think before you speak
Listen with your eyes and ears (funny but true)
Listen to understand before speaking to be understood
Consider the situation and circumstances
Insist on respect by giving respect
Set the example
Check your tone, level and sharpness of your words
Give feedback
Be kind and considerate
 
Biblical examples of effective communicators include tongue tied Moses, Esther, Daniel, Ruth, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elizabeth / Zachariah, Mary, Peter, Timothy (there are so many more). Here are some Proverbs you’ll find helpful in elevating your family conversations: Proverbs 25:11, 6:16-21; 10:19-20; 12:14-22; 15:1-7.
 
Communication is hard work … let’s commit to effective family communication. Don’t forget to smile and laugh along the way. By the way we’re no longer babies so let’s stop our crying, slow down, really listen well and speak clearly.

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Camper Corner:
What’s up with putting out more effort to communicate with friends than with your old man and mom?Who really loves you when you are “good, bad and ugly?” That’d be your family. You have the BIGGEST impact on the family dialogue through your participation, respect and creativity. Give your folks some grace and help them out. You can make a difference today. Give them a shocker by letting them know that you really do appreciate and love them. Be ready to call 911.