Redistricting

(Written for Joshua Study)

Every ten years, the U.S. has a census. Based on the changes in population, each state can redraw the boundaries of its electoral districts. Unfortunately, partisan politics result in the boundaries being drawn to favor the incumbent party who is in power at that time.

We are going through a similar ‘redistricting’ in our family right now. My husband and I have an adult child and our boundaries have to be redrawn. Since our son is still financially dependent on us, we still hold some power. Yet, we are trying to establish boundaries that are equitable to all.

A similar redistricting has to happen at each transitional phase. When a couple gets married, new boundaries have to be drawn between the family of origin and the new bride and groom.

“This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” (Mark 10:7 NLT)

Almost all transitional periods involve redistricting. When someone moves in or moves out from your home, extended visitors, financial constrictions, illnesses, aging, retirement, starting school, starting a new job, moving to a new place—all involve redrawing your boundaries. Some old habits and attachments have to be excluded and other new relationships and attributes have to be incorporated.

What if we move into a new home and couldn’t get rid of the prior inhabitants? What if we are in a new phase of life but can’t disentangle ourselves from previous commitments?

This makes things unnecessarily complicated.