Fathers & Finances

I've heard time and time again that one of the biggest factors of disagreements and arguments within couples are over finances. It's true that money plays a huge part in our everyday living however with unified goals and consistent communication we can limit arguments concerning finances or anything else for that matter.

Since the Holiday's are approaching fast, money is on everyones minds. Coworkers are eager to pick up shifts for an increase of income for everyday bills, holiday gifts, etc praying that their table's tip well. At the Olive Garden I work with a wide range of friends with all different circumstances; a couple having their first child, a few newly weds, coworkers who are divorced, single moms, and more. This financially demanding time of year can be a huge stain on all families, particularly ones whom are going through a divorce bringing a ton of financial questions and changes from what used to be.

In 2010, my family started the process of divorce which became especially hard on our family, particularly on our mother who cared for all three of us children as our father left the picture. Hardships emotionally and financially took a toll on our mother who suddenly had to provide for our family on her own. We were given help through generous family members and church leaders whom became aware of our circumstances.

We had moved recently into a small townhome a few months prior to the start of the Holiday season. My younger brothers and I weren't expecting much or anything that Christmas as we knew Santa wouldn't be making the rounds to our home that year. We did our best to help our mother with small tasks and some bigger responsibilities like getting a job to pay for my own needs. It was a great learning and growing experience.

Christmas day came as my brothers and I went about our normal day activities with not much thought to the commercial needs of gifts. A few hours passed that morning after breakfast as a white garbage bag full of gifts and goodies arrived at our front door. Honest confusion overcame me as to why we suddenly had boxes wrapped with small ribbons incoming our living room then realization that these gifts were for us through the generosity of some members from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gratitude and warmth filled my body just from the thought that others were mindful of our families financial circumstances even tho we were content and happy with what we had. I think perspective is an amazing thing. Children who can be raised in some of the poorest living conditions may not view their financial burdens as setbacks and neither should they.

Did you know that 1 out of 4 children under the age of 18 are being raised without a father. Having a father in the home is particularly important for the growth and nurture of their children. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, I personally believe that it's important two have the roles of both a father and mother in the home. Father's and mother's carry both specific and fundamental roles and characteristics that are vital to the growth of children. The Family; A Proclamation to the World stands as a document in the church that provides important guidance and warning concerning the structure of our families and the responsibilities and duties that parents have to raise children. The link is provided below.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng

One of my favorite quotes from this document is that it states that "Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." I love this because no matter the types of families we have today, as we grow together in our family units with love, respect, faith and other key principles that are important to build a grand society and community, then we are changing the world one family at a time.