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Sermon Illustrations: Family

They pamper their children with everything money can buy, from expensive education to a first step on the property ladder. But wealthy parents get a poor return on their investment. The more money spent on children, the less likely they are to enjoy close relationships with their parents as adults, a study found. They move farther away from home, visit their parents less often and make fewer phone calls. Even if they live close to the family home, they see less of their parents than those who are given less, according to the UK study by Essex University's Institute of Social and Economic Research. Professor John Ermisch, who led the study, says material wealth is a poor substitute for love and care. Sunday Mail 3-10-04 p 57

If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don't be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning "Good morning" at total strangers. Maya Angelou

A family was in a serious traffic accident. The youngest son, Mike, was seriously injured and needed blood. His big brother, Danny, was only 8-years-old, but had the same blood type. Danny's Dad explained carefully how important it was for Mike to have blood, and how great it would be if Danny could help out. There was silence for a while, then Danny said, "Yes, Daddy, I'll give my blood so Mike can get better." They put the needle in his vein and drew the blood they needed. Once the needle was back out, Danny looked up at his Dad, and with tears running down his cheeks said, "Daddy, when do I die?" It was only then that his Dad realised that Danny didn't know he was just giving some blood. He thought he was giving his life.

Almost 75% of young Australians rank family relationships in their top three things most valued, followed by friendships, then physical and mental health. Reader's Digest March 2009, p 17

The owner of a very successful nationwide business asked his new son-in-law to meet with him for lunch. They were enjoying a cup of coffee when the businessman said, "I just wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you into the family. I want the best for you and my daughter, and to give you the best possible financial start, I've made you an equal partner in my firm. "That's great," said the son-in-law. "So starting next week," continued the businessman, "I'd like you to take charge of factory operations." "But I hate factories," said the young man. "They're too noisy." "Okay," said the businessman. "How about management? You can take control of all our office staff." "I hate offices too," said the son-in-law. "Then I'm not quite sure what you want me to do. I've just made you half-owner of one of the biggest firms in the country. If you won't work in the factory or the office, what do you want?" "I want you to buy me out," said the young man.