The Family
The Theme, “The Family” - brings so many
things to mind. I contemplate on the many areas on just the word family, which
engulfs so many subjects. We think of our own families, especially the mothers,
because this is their month to celebrate, and God bless all the mothers, and
grandmothers, all across the world, but there are many family members out
there, who are really struggling to cope with their everyday life. We all
know that God has enriched our lives tremendously, but we also have to be
aware, that all around us, are lonely hurting people.
Some hurt because their children, etc., have gone far away from the home front,
and parents, grandparents, are getting older, and while their hearts desire is
to see their loved ones, they have to deal with the fact that it is impossible.
Others are lonely, because of misunderstandings in the family, and so kids just
choose to alienate themselves.
Those in nursing homes, suffering from
Alzheimer’s, or other conditions, are left out in the cold, because families
cannot deal with their surroundings. And many who are in the nursing home, have
family who take the attitude, They are where they are,
let someone else have the responsibility. This is true of even many church
members, proclaiming their Christianity. Folks, What Would
I have valued family more since
getting older, than I ever did before, and family was always special. I have
within the past few years begun adopting people into my family. I don't
believe anyone has so much family, that they don't have room for more. I have
more grandchildren, than most people put together. I have an extended family
that I love so much. It is amazing how God just seems to pull them out of the woodwork,
so to speak, and the more I see them, the more I want to be with them. The
lady, whom I have in my charge, is 88. Has no family, had no children ever, and
would be in a nursing home. I have a son, whom I have known since he was
in his teens. Then, he had both parents, so, while I loved him as a son, he
could not be my son until two years ago when his mother died. At the funeral,
the Lord impressed on me that he should be my son. He accepted. I have a
daughter and grandchildren, but their life style doesn't include dad or grandpa
very often, and they live close. So you see folks, if I didn't extend my
family, I would, first, disappoint Christ, because He told us to reach out to
others, and second, I would just draw into a shell, and grow old, "Not"
so graciously. I don't think there is any of you out
there, that don't have some time for others. Stop being
selfish. Christianity is not meant to be a hog all thing.
God bless me, and forget about all the rest of the world. Something for the
church to think about, is starting a group in your
church for seniors and those who are widowed and orphaned. You'd be surprised
what an hour a month or so, can mean for others, and your rewards are great.
Don't use that time to air all the things that are wrong in your life, give
that to God. He is bigger than anything you and I can go through.
Start today. You will be a better person,
church, family member, etc. because you did it for
God Bless you,