Family-Supports One Another

We have been blessed with a family that supports one another. In triumphs and through trials, in new life and in death, in celebrations and in sorrow…our family sticks together. Last year, around this time we had two very important people pass away. We pulled together, we got through it and we grew in grace and wisdom. We experienced forgiveness and healing and we have moved on. This October, we celebrated a new birth, Mikah Ada. She is our 7th grand child and her arrival was just as exciting as our first grand baby. She is a precious addition to our family and although she is only 3 months old, I can’t imagine life without her. I often feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the pleasure of hearing the little voices of my grandchildren and I thank God daily for my family!!!

Family can also be a collection of friends that become as close as family through shared experiences over time. When we lived overseas from 1983-1985 the friends that we met in our community and at our awesome church became family. Since most of us were living very far from our real families, we spent every holiday together creating new traditions and sharing old ones. We still hold those friends close in our hearts even though we do not see them very often. We stay connected through phone calls, emails, social media and the infamous Christmas letters that we send every year.

Last night we had the privilege of attending a special anniversary celebration for dear friends. It was a reunion of sorts because so many of the guests had a rich past full of memories together. I was reminded of all that we had shared as we raised our kids together, served in church together and built lasting friendships that have endured over time. The entire evening felt like a true family reunion.

I have been thinking and wondering how our family can open our doors and our hearts to include others who may not have the blessing of a family that supports them. I want to be more aware of those that might struggle with loneliness around the holidays. I want 2015, this year of renewal to include keeping my eyes open and my heart sensitive to the needs of those who might not be as fortunate as I am and to remember to open my heart and my home to them.

How might you support members of your family in a renewed way this year? How might you include others in the blessings that your family has to offer?

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