What's Happening at FCC

“Communication is key.” It’s only three words, but they carry a lot of meaning. Communication is how we teach, learn, and connect. It’s how we share what’s going on in our lives and how we express how we feel. And here’s a wild fact. About 97% of all communication is body language. That means only 3% is actually what we say. No wonder things can get so messy sometimes! Communication is complicated, but one thing is simple: when it breaks down, things usually don’t go very well.

In our house, with one teenager (15) and one preteen (12½), “communication is key” couldn’t be more true. Getting them to talk can feel like pulling teeth, and when they finally do, it sometimes comes out in a big, emotional burst. Over the past two months or so, with two teens both entering new schools and dealing with friends, sports, and new schedules, communication has been difficult and has led to some pretty hurtful habits, and basically emotional exhaustion for everyone involved. 

Then last Sunday morning, I woke up with what I thought might be a good idea. I decided that I was going to start having weekly meetings with my oldest daughter to accomplish four goals. 

Go over any schoolwork or tests coming up.

Make a list of important tasks for the week.

Talk openly about how we’re feeling and how our actions affect each other.

Hold each other accountable for what we say and do.

We had our first meeting on Monday night, and honestly, it went way better than I expected. We made our lists pretty quickly but ended up expressing our feelings for over an hour. We took turns sharing, actually listened to each other, and didn’t interrupt or try to justify our own behavior. At the end, we each picked one thing we could work on for the week so it wouldn't be overwhelming.

And then something really special happened. I asked Lily if she wanted to pray with me. We held hands, and she led the prayer. Her words were honest, heart-felt, and beautiful. I don’t even remember everything she said, but I’ll never forget how I felt. She talked to her Father about her mistakes, her requests, and her gratitude for being with us in that moment. Her prayer could’ve rivaled that of any seasoned adult, and I just sat there smiling, thinking, “Father, please hear this sweet girl’s prayer.”

The following days offered us both opportunities to try working on our goals with some failures but also with the awareness and willingness to try again and get right back at it. Communication is helping us be better to each other and with an open line of communication to God, we can offer gratitude, send up requests, and ask for forgiveness no matter where we are.

I encourage you this week to open communication with someone in your life with the intent of listening, willingness to make a change, and talking to God during the whole process!

Enjoy this week's praise song (I can't get through it without crying tears of joy)
"Redeemed" by Big Daddy Weave

Sunday Praise Song
“Goodness of God”  Bethel Music 

In His Name,
Terry Buchmann