Tuesday, July 13, 2010

We Are Family.....

Our family has had a lot of stuff going on lately. Our extended family (aunts, cousins, etc) have been going through stuff as well. Probably not any more than most people, but it just seems to be sinking in more as I think about it.

When bad health or trouble comes our way, we have two choices. It makes us closer....or pulls us further apart. Even in the same family, we all handle stress differently. Sometimes it's birth order or personality that dictates our handling. Sometimes it's our faith in God. Sometimes we just each do our part to muddle through.

Our families can be small....or large....birth....or adopted....or friends that feel like family.

When our daughter was baptized, I did the message for children at church that day. There was a little boy baptized as well. I started with, "Congratulations! You have a new brother and sister. To the relief of your parents, they will not be going home with you." I went on to explain that when we are believers, we gain brothers and sisters in Christ. We become a bigger family.

Bigger families can mean bigger problems. However, it can also mean a stronger base of assistance when stuff gets tough.

Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV) 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

So start looking around, your family doesn’t stop at your front door.

1 comment:

Kim said...

Karen,
You are a truly gifted writer! I appreciate you more than I let you know! God has given us a great voice through your words & actions of kindness showed to all who know you. Please take strength in the knowledge that God loves you as do I & many others! You are a great person & terrific sister!
I love you,
Kim:)