The object lesson for today is the importance of root and branches influences upon a family tree. I hope this lesson can be of use to youth ministries, family counselors, devotionals and family home evenings.
This family tree represents things learned at home. The roots are parents’ experiences and attitudes that provide the foundation of belief within the home. A key example of this is how a parent’s belief and trust in God can be taught to their children through example and education.
Samples of influence may also include our ancestors, historical figures of the country, or maybe even inventors who created the conveniences of modern life. The roots of a tree can also include the experiences of each parent that helps create and define their moral character.
The trunk of the tree can represent the incubator of daily life of the family at home. This is where children’s attitudes are forged.
Each branch from the trunk can represent a different attitude or opinion about life. One branch might emphasize the importance of reading or being educated. If parents read to their children, those kids often gain a love of literature and may pursue education for pleasure, self-advancement, as well as advancement to their careers.
Another branch may be devoted to self-respect. Parents can help influence a child’s perspective of self-worth by acknowledging a child’s successes. We would want to avoid giving them false praise but to let them gain true victory through efforts of training, work and dedication.
A different branch may be dedicated to physical activity. Sometime I am not as dedicated about improving my health as I could be. I have seen some wonderful examples of parents doing activities with their families through family devotional, vacation or home evening events. Families will hike or swim together. Not only do kids learn through their parents the virtues of being fit, physical, but if activities are done outside the home, they may gain a stronger appreciation of nature.
A separate branch might be relationships. The success of a relationship between a husband and wife can echo through to the relationships of siblings. When siblings grow up, the type of parents they become can be influence by their home life.
There are so many more examples of branches that could be discussed. As parents and grandparents, I invite you to take a time of devotional or home evening to illustrate your own family tree. Make a group discussion of it. Think what the roots are that are the base of foundation for your family. Then illustrate the different aspects/branches that you think are important for the development and evolution of your family. Add to the ones I’ve pointed out. Are there certain branches that are under developed that need to be nurtured further? When you identify those areas you can plan as a family how that branch can be helped.
Knowing what kind of tree each of us has, can enable each of us to know how to nurture that tree.
If you have ideas to add to this topic, please feel free to post them in the comment section of this blog. Thanks
