Have you ever wondered how you ended up in the family you were born into? Your astonishment may have come years ago whey you were an angst-filled teenager, or maybe it was just last week at a family gathering. I can remember (when I was an intensely serious and philosophical 15 year old) thinking I was not "supposed to be" in the family I found myself coexisting with. Even now, I continue to get frustrated by family matters.
Over the past few years, my view of family has morphed. I find myself understanding what God had in mind when he came up with the concept of family. It doesn't mean we always understand each other. It doesn't mean we have lots in common. It means we love each other. It means we give grace where grace needs to be given. It means that although we may not quite get one another completely, we still try.
Just a few days ago, family filled Christmas. There were presents everywhere. I realized last night, as I ate chocolate covered cherries snuggled under my electric blanket, my soft, cozy socks keeping my feet warm and watching episodes of The Office, that my family really did understand those little things that make me so happy. I smiled unconsciously in the half light of the television. My family knew my simple joys and tried to give them to me for Christmas. I just hope that my gifts to them were as special.
Families have struggles. They argue, get their feelings hurt and don't always know how to communicate with one another effectively, but a true family never gives up. They keep working things out. They keep loving no matter the situation. They learn from those that are different from them, and they forgive. You can be related to someone but never be able to truly call them family. A family is not necessarily something you are given at birth. It is something you choose to be a part of.
Over the past few years, my view of family has morphed. I find myself understanding what God had in mind when he came up with the concept of family. It doesn't mean we always understand each other. It doesn't mean we have lots in common. It means we love each other. It means we give grace where grace needs to be given. It means that although we may not quite get one another completely, we still try.
Just a few days ago, family filled Christmas. There were presents everywhere. I realized last night, as I ate chocolate covered cherries snuggled under my electric blanket, my soft, cozy socks keeping my feet warm and watching episodes of The Office, that my family really did understand those little things that make me so happy. I smiled unconsciously in the half light of the television. My family knew my simple joys and tried to give them to me for Christmas. I just hope that my gifts to them were as special.
Families have struggles. They argue, get their feelings hurt and don't always know how to communicate with one another effectively, but a true family never gives up. They keep working things out. They keep loving no matter the situation. They learn from those that are different from them, and they forgive. You can be related to someone but never be able to truly call them family. A family is not necessarily something you are given at birth. It is something you choose to be a part of.
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