FAMILIES GET TOGETHER

Families get together. The past few days Carol and I have enjoyed having family members stay with us for the graduation of our niece at the US Air Force Academy. Kaylyn, our lovely, bright, committed, talented Christian Minnesota farm girl, graduated 6th overall in her class of 1030 cadets, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, her first assignment being Vance AFB, OK, for pilot training. "Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family." (Proverbs 27:10)

Families pray together. The family of like-minded Christians in a congregation often become more than mere friends. Together in the love of Christ, they become like family to us. Their joys and hurts become our joys and hurts, and we pray for their needs as fervently as for those God has given us in our families. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:10)

Families bond together. Sometimes we find extended family at college, in church, neighborhood or even at work. These associations can be as important as our blood relatives. While we usually find the greatest bond with relatives, we can be blessed with a dear friend who can become closer to us than a sibling.  "A friend loves at all times, and a brother (sister) is born for a time of adversity." (Proverbs 17:7)

Families rejoice together. Most often we gather for weddings, anniversaries, graduations and reunions. Too often it only is for funerals; too rarely we gather just for fun. Families are a fantastic gift from God. True, not all family members are loving or contented. Families can be torn apart by strife or misunderstanding, but still God has placed us into families, and we must not forsake this great gift. "God sets the lonely into families." (Psalm 68:8)

Families gather together. Is it time to connect with your family? Is it time for you to pray together with your Church family? Is it time to forgive someone in your family, or to stop worrying about a family member and commit them to Jesus? Is it it time to bring someone special with you into your family? Is it time to find a way to show more love in your family? Is it time to thank God for your family?

"For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you'.” (Psalm 122:8)