Right from when I was little, I understood family as a basic unit of a mother, father, and their own children. But I recently learned from St. Josémaria Escrivá, that the members are not the only aspect of a family; rather, it is the journey of life that stems from two people. Two is perfect, three is a crowd and that’s only perfect in a concert setting. I like to think of family just like music. I ask? What is the world without music? We have different tastes and preferences, but the common denominator is a good song. Or rather, let’s talk about a great song. A song is only great if it leaves you with an indescribable experience. And when words fail, truly music speaks.

It is indeed true that we have all come into existence because of the union of a man and a woman that stems from mutual love. For this reason, I imagine life as a song except with the accompaniment of unbridled joy. Dynamics of size, affluence and upbringing may cease to be key elements of this song. Our new music is taking a different form based on the practice of human virtues. The genre beats the confinement to the usual RnB, classical jazz or pop. In fact, St. Josémaria Escrivá states that “founding a family, educating children, and exercising a Christian influence in society, are supernatural tasks. “It is this great attitude that informs the reality of creating strong families. It is one melodious tune when we come to the realization of the specific missions on earth. St. Josémaria Escrivá describes it as “The effectiveness and the success of our lives, our happiness depends to a great extent on our awareness of our specific mission.”

The best part of family is knowing that we are not altogether perfect, but together we can be perfect. We exemplify the strength that our relationships embody whether we are related by blood or not. We learn to improvise when things get cumbersome along the way. We create new notations as we bond collectively, share time and keepsake memories with those around us. This is true especially for those friends that become family. Of course, we must be cautious about who we can call a friend. The performance in family reflects our personal dignity as we realize that we are owners of nothing and stewards of everything that God has given us.

Even as the rhythm varies, we all join in the chorus of creating strong families. A tune that’ll leave us dancing to the beats of peaceful coexistence through love. Paying close attention to the theme of love St. Josémaria Escrivá recommends that “First, love each other very much, in accordance with God’s law. Second, don’t be afraid of life; love each other’s defects as long as they don’t offend God”. Basically, he urges us to have love to create strong families. Love is patient. Love is kind. It keeps no record of wrong. It rejoices when truth and justice prevail; it is ever ready to believe in and hope for the best for everyone that comes its way, as St. Paul writes.

Back to our song. It is important to note that the keys change. St. Josémaria Escrivá implores us to pray to God for the strength to practice self-control. In summary, as our new song is sung, I hope you will hear the resounding tunes of love that create strong families. We do not seek huge applause. but rather the creation of strong families so we can make the world a better place to call our collective home.

This article was written by Mugabi Patsy Nalukenge a third year student in the Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences

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