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Joy Skills: Living in Multiple Worlds

January 27, 2022

Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Romans 12:14–16 (MSG)

As a pastor, I’ve delivered many Father’s Day messages. I’ve talked about how important fathers are, but today I’d like to do something different. I’d like to share one of the most important things I focus on personally as a father—learning to live in multiple worlds.

I want to be clear that I don’t do this perfectly. In fact, I work on it every day, even now as the dad of five adult kids. Like many of us, I can tend to get wrapped up in my world—the problems I’m facing and the goals I’m trying to achieve. But every member of my family has his or her own world—individual struggles, dreams and daily realities—and the key to building a great relationship with each of them has been tied to my ability to connect with that world.

One of the keys to learning to live in their world has been working at being truly present when we’re together. Like most parents, many problems and issues vie for my attention. In the midst of it all, I need to switch my focus. I can’t just pretend I’m listening. My girls catch me every time I do that and I’m glad they do because I love being in the moment with my family. It’s one of my greatest joys in life. 

Learn to live in multiple worlds. It allows you to see life through the eyes of a child and connect with others at a deeper level. You can share in their wins and help them walk through their losses, and you’ll experience the incredible joy of walking through life with those you love most.

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