Families benefit from phrases that begin with “Let us…” or “Let’s….” “Let us” offers an invitation to engage with one another, to do something together. It is an invitation to a deeper relationship. Sometimes the invitation accompanies fun.

• “Let’s play a game.”
• “Let’s go for a walk.”
• “Let’s pretend like we’re on an adventure.”

Sometimes the invitation comes with work. Even if the invitation suggests a work activity, it implies that the work will be done together, within relationship, with mutual support for one another.

• “Let’s wash the dishes.”
• “Let’s clean up the yard.”
• “Let’s go get the groceries.”

“Let’s…” brings people together to imagine a new world together. It invites people to create a new story, a story of intimacy, love, service, and kindness. Of course, “let’s…” can be misused; so “let’s” use caution not to misuse it.

With all this in mind, I want to offer a few invitations for the new year:

• “Let’s build our families on the foundation of honor and grace.”
• “Let’s celebrate the diversity within our family, honoring one another’s strengths and showing grace for one another’s mistakes.”
• “Let’s celebrate our families with conversation, fun, and mutual support.”
• “Let’s share kindness with one another in the family and those outside our families.”
• “Let’s love one another deeply.”