Systematically Divine

Do you ever just ponder about the amazing design of the family unit? 

Whether yours is biologically related or yours consists of chosen members, families are a beautiful thing. 

Families are a support system, a system of checks and balances, a unit of love, a place of safety...I can't even begin to image where I would be in life if I didn't have my family.

The escapades we have gone on include countless moves; Utah, Texas, China, Alabama, Hawaii, Washington, California...countless memories; glaciers, waterfalls, rural country, the heart of the city, mountains, canyons, the list goes on. Through all of the personality phases to the slow maturation of young adulthood, my family has always been there. When people ask where I am from, I always say wherever my family is because life wouldn't be complete without them. 

The family is an interesting system. Every member plays an important part- from the development of social skills between siblings to the example of strong leadership from guardians. Where does most of life's learning take place? Within the family. Now, not every family is perfect and they have their challenges but growing and learning together makes you stronger individually and as a group. 

What makes your family function smoothly? What subsystems are at work behind the scenes?

The family is really dependent on the relationship of the guardians. You need a strong foundation to build off of, so a healthy relationship between parents is vital in the development of a family. Parents present the ideals of adulthood, teamwork, citizenship, character traits, husband, wife, etc. This is where the child’s world begins; this is where they learn how to become a functioning human. When children see their parents in a happy and healthy relationship, it teaches them how to interact and treat others. It relieves them of the stress within the home so they can focus on their interests and growing up.

Then comes the role of siblings. I would argue this is where children learn how to interact with their peers and how to stand up for themselves. If there is one thing that siblings teach us, it is the virtue of patience. Siblings also teach one another how to care for others and understand social cues. At the end of the day you’re stuck together, so you might as well make it work. This isn’t to say that being an only child doesn’t teach you these things, but the learning curve is a little different.

My parents exemplify who I want to become. I am constantly in awe of their endurance, work ethic, enthusiasm towards life, and the many character traits they embody. The way they treat each other and their generosity to their fellow man are goals for my future.

My brother has taught me some harder lessons, but he has taught me some of the most valuable lessons. His love for learning and his dedication to his interests are incredible. He taught me how to put aside my negative feelings and focus on the positive. No matter what fight we were in, my brother would always stand up for me to others. (Siblings- only you can make fun of them.) I have learned many lessons from my brother that have been useful across the board of life…

What are you grateful for in your family? What about your extended family?

I am so grateful for my family- immediate and extended. Biological and chosen. They have shaped me into the person I am today. Because of them, I know where I can turn for solace. I know where I can find someone who is willing to hear what I have to say and keep it real with me.

Hug someone in your family today. Share the love.