Counsel #22 — Navigating The Homefront

Picture: Counsel #22 — Navigating the HomefrontCR 134.1

TEENS—These next seven counsels are for you! CR 134.2

Whether you live in a one or two-parent household or an unconventional situation, navigating family challenges as a teenager can be overwhelming. Between school, friends, and home responsibilities, coming home to family conflict or a chaotic environment can add to the stress.CR 134.3

As a teen, the key to navigating home life is seeking God’s guidance for your situation. By reading His Word and asking for direction in prayer, you invite His perspective into your mind and actions. He cares!CR 134.4

Wherever God leads you, following His wisdom will give you unexplainable peace. Because His thoughts are higher than ours, it’s essential to seek His counsel before reacting. Stay calm, try to redirect negative conversations, and be honest and respectful when expressing your feelings. Find healthy outlets—such as art, sports, or reading—to recharge mentally, and help your parents around the house whenever possible. Remember, God’s arms are always open to receive you; all you need to do is come to Him.^{[127]https://visionaryfam.com/living-for-christ-at-home-part-1/}CR 134.5

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 NIVCR 134.6

“While the parents live it should be the children's joy to honor and respect them. They should bring all the cheerfulness and sunshine into the life of the aged parents that they possibly can.” Ellen White in My Life Today, p. 278CR 134.7

Reflect: Before responding to conflict in your home, do you seek God’s counsel first? If not, how do those situations usually turn out?CR 134.8