Family. Such a loaded word. For some, it stirs up images of light-hearted jesting, love and harmony. For others, it conjures up nightmares of abuse, misery and fear.
Family. One of the very few things about our lives that we don’t get a say in but have to live with.
Although being part of a family comes with its own fair share of pain and burdens, I think its fair to say that being part of a family also comes with many incredible blessings.
My parents gave me more than ‘XX’ chromosomes. They gave me direction, counsel, banter, prayers, brothers and sisters for which I am eternally grateful.
Your family doesn’t have to be cookie-cutter perfect before you can be grateful for them. Who knows, you might even be the one driving other family members crazy! 🙂
Seeing and hearing of elderly people who haven’t seen their loved ones since the start of this pandemic is just heart breaking. I’m relatively young :), but I am SUPER desperate to see my family after a long time; never mind a seventy-something year old living in a nursing home away from the comforts of home.
So, if you’re married, hug your spouse a little bit tighter today and whisper a sincere ‘thank you’ in their ears.
If you’re a parent, hug your child/children closely today and thank God for them. If they’re too big/cool for hugs, send them a text 🙂
If you have grandparents, reach out to them and let them know they still matter, even in their old age.
If you have siblings, thank them for being in your life. Trust me, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.
As Desmond Tutu said, “you don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”
Join me in thanking God for the gift of family, a place where you’ll always belong.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Father, thank You for the gift of family. We may not be perfect but I’m grateful to have a safe place where I’ll always belong.
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Unvarnished 