We have a worn, brown leather desk chair. While I was dusting and polishing it, I looked close to ensure that all the stitches were still intact. In spite of the chair’s age or the number of times it has been occupied with a sitting or standing person, the stitches still are holding strong.
Each stitch begins in a hole and ends in a hole to be immediately followed by another stitch that looks the same as the one before. If I were to pull without breaking the thread that forms the stitch,I would have one piece of thread although the leather wouldn’t be held tightly to the chair any longer.
Let’s leave the chair for a moment and talk about relationships and specifically families. There are different members in our families – mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, cousin, husband, wife, grandmother, grandfather, in-laws. Every family is unique because there are different members and every member is an individual.
When family members (stitches) have a common goal of increasing the bonds of love (holding leather together on the chair), then their actions also speak of attaining that goal through love and respect (staying stuck in the leather without fraying). If by chance something happens catastrophic, the loving family will not fall apart. Instead, each member rallies together and holds on tight to each other making a unified family (the stitches turn into one strong thread).
However, sometimes the threads get cut making not only the leather separate from the chair, but also the stitches turn into more than one thread. The same thing happens in families. Every day the members of a family have the choice to either strengthen or weaken the family bond. Members who exhibit selfishness, disrespect, quick tempers, narrow mindedness, and a lack of forgiveness cause a weakness in the relationships of the family.
Life is not easy.
Catastrophes will happen.
During the times of peace, families should make a concerted effort to grow in love so that during times of pain and sorrow, they can hold each other together and make it through the difficult times.
Is this easy?
No.
What is the adage? “Power is knowledge.” If you’ve read this post, you now have the knowledge that YOU can make a difference in the family. That YOU can decide to work with the family towards a mutual goal thus finding happiness together. YOU have the choice to put aside the weakness of humanity and focus on exhibiting the good thus strengthening each member of the family.
Simple information that we already knew before reading this analogy.
Do you need to change some undesirable traits to ensure that the stitches in your family stay sewn together in the leather?
I like this analogy. Paying attention to the connection when you don't need it, prepares you for when you do. I used to love the game "Red Rover, Red Rover send so-and-so right over." The line of those waiting for the trouble to break through would tighten grips and strengthen stances in anticipation. Families should do that too!
If only everyone in my family weren't too immature to put aside their petty difference, this would be a nice way to be
This is a beautiful post! Since my dads passing my families stitches have close to ripping apart…this really put things in perspective for me…
Thank You! I know what I need to do now!
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This is a great post, and I couldn't agree more! This is exactly what happened to my dad's family, but unfortunately I'm not sure that leather seat can be salvaged. But it's something to keep focus on in keeping my family in tact, too.