Family...

We had a family reunion last weekend on my Dad's side of the family.  It had been 40+ years since I've seen some my cousins, some I never met.  I am so glad that my cousins Diane and Ruth got things going.  [We should never wait again this long.]

My father was one of 12 children and there are still 9 of them alive.  Unfortunately my father and one uncle could not attend.  There were also several cousins that could not attend as well.  For those did attend we had around 65 or more family there.  My son who is 27 met family that he did know existed and he had a ball.

Isaiah 22:24  All the glory of his family will hang on him: its offspring and offshoots—all its lesser vessels, from the bowls to all the jars.

Today the family structure is disintegrating. Divorce is rampant. There are so many families that have broken up, been destroyed by drugs/alcohol, and unkind words that cut like a knife.  We hold many grudges about petty things.  Life is way too short to worry about small things. 

We should rejoice that we have a earthly family to love us and to protect us.  We don't need to build walls up to shut family out.  How would you feel if you children walked out on you?  How would you feel if your children had children and you could not see them?  For me this would tear me up.

As Christians we must not be a builder of walls. We must lay down our trowel and use our hands rather to reach out to our brother and sister in love. We need to keep acting as if the barrier isn’t there; we need to walk through it and speak into years of silence. We must write a letter or extend a dinner invitation.

1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

The greatest commandment of God was to Love one another.  If we do not love one another, then how can we be considered worthy of God's love.

Do you know God's love? If you do, then spread it.  If you do not know God's love, all you have to do is ask Him for it.  It's that simple, just ask God to show you His love.  You will be amazed how much love He has to give.

Diane and Ruth - We need to do this every year.  It does not need to be at your house everytime, but we can plan that out.  Thanks again so much for bringing us back together again.