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Hopes for a Happy Home

As always, it has been a great joy to visit so many homes in January and to bless them.

Whilst thinking about this, I was reminded of a marvellous summary of some of the things that go into a happy family and a happy home. I happened upon it years ago. Apparently a father of four daughters told of his wishes for them and their husbands, should they marry.

The following are some of his hopes:

"May they always have joy in the morning and trust in the evening and may their sorrows be short and without scars.

"May they share with each other spring flowers, dirty dishes, music, rain, death, a measure of boredom, strawberries and God.

"May no one steal from them laughter at the top of the stairs of gigles and whispers in a dark room.

"May they keep a hunger for each other, the appetite to taste tomorrow and deep knowledge of and devotion to their past heritage and families.

"May they walk with wise men, sing loud songs at late hours, share secrets, have healthy children, and provide smiles for lonesome strangers and prayers for those without hope.

"May they never forget small things: smiles, birthdays, holding hands, family, old friends, the neglected and the simplicity of saying 'please' and 'thank you'."

It would be good to make sure we cultivate these things in our family relationships.

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