Putting Yourself Out For Your Family

Your closest neighbors are your family members - parents, brothers and sisters. You may feel, however, that those closest to you should understand your busy life and not make undue demands on you. Nevertheless, the Bible exhorts: "Be hospitable to one another without grumbling." (I Peter 4:9) Try viewing the seeming inconveniences that may result, not as annoyances, but as an opportunity to strengthen the family bond.

Eddy recalls: "Mom's schedule often left her exhausted. But I'll never forget the look on her face as she opened the door and found the dishes washed,floors scrubbed, and table set for dinner. I'll admit I would have loved to have been playing ball on those occasions, but putting myself out helped draw our family closer together." Can you think of some ways to put yourself out for your family members?

Next time: Being Neighborly To Fellow Christians.