Intentional happiness.

“Whatever the era, whatever the times, one thing will never change: Fathers and mothers, if you have children, they must come first. You must read to your children and you must hug your children and you must love your children. Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens in the White House but on what happens inside your house.”
("Text of Mrs. Bush's Speech," Washington Post, June 2, 1990)



My aunt came upon a box of old Polaroids the other day. I had never seen this photograph of my mother and me, but it is now one of my very favorites. I am ever so thankful to be a member of a hugging, loving, loud (sometimes obnoxiously loud), interesting, and interested family.

At this moment I am overcome with gratitude for practical patterns that I can follow to help my family to be successful. Like this one...

Principles that establish and maintain successful marriages and families:
1. Faith
2. Prayer
3. Repentance
4. Forgiveness
5. Respect
6. Love
7. Compassion
8. Work
9. Wholesome recreational activities

(From Family: Proclamation to the World.)

I'm confident that whenever we feel distressed as a family we can pull up this list and pin it to a specific principle that we need to incorporate more fully into our relationships with one another. So practical! Intentionally living a happy family life? Yes, I'll do that, thanks.

Comments

That is a great quote by Mrs. Bush--I'm going to print it out and put it somewhere I can see it daily. I love the Proclamation. It was such an inspired declaration.
Anonymous said…
Thank you.
I know! I wanted to post it somewhere too! So I posted a link of your blog on mine. I hope that is all right. You're a very inspiration young woman, and I think everyone should know you, for you fill the world with more light.
Whitney Lane said…
How beautiful. And you and your mom look so much alike!
TheUnSoccerMom said…
Wow... I though your mother was you at first glance!! :o)
Melissa said…
I've missed reading your blog! I got laid off a few months ago and actually spent the summer being super happy with my 2 little crazies! I haven't read ANY blogs this summer...and totally neglected mine. Now that school is in I have free time again and am happy to catch up with your blog...You are such a free spirit! I love it!
oh...I thought for SURE that was you in the polaroid!