Building a Family
Family can have many different meanings depending on who you ask. Everyone has their own unique story that comes from the family they grew up in, the family they were adopted into, or the family they formed on their own out of necessity and/or survival. For countless people, family can be the most beautiful, life-giving, loving environment God ever created. Unfortunately, for a multitude of others, family can leave one feeling unloved, unwanted, and insignificant. But family should be a safe place for each member to have the freedom to fail without the fear of ridicule, to feel valued enough to know it’s okay to ask questions and be confident their voice has been heard. Family has each other’s back and gives unconditional love even when it’s hard to do.
This kind of family comes in all different forms. Your colleagues or co-workers can become your “family” at work. Or family can be one or more of your trusted friends. Your family unit can also be who you do life with, within your community, such as a church community group that has bonded over time. Scripture offers a plethora of stories which illustrate both the beauty and complication of family. The examples are numerous and read like a Nobel Prize in literature full of adventure, intrigue, beauty and great tragedy. It’s a must read. But whatever the constitution or make-up of the family, for it to be the healthiest it can be….it needs to become a place of forgiveness and grace with people that love each other unconditionally.
As I get older, my own family begins to take hold of my heart in a way that surprises even me. I think this is true because I see finality ahead (way ahead I hope). We’re not a perfect family at all. We have warts like all families do. But in writing this article, I have been convicted to overtly express to my family the things we are doing well that keep us “safe” for each other. What we are is loyal to a fault. PERIOD. We see things through together. PERIOD. We are and will always be each other’s Biggest Fans. PERIOD. We are and will always be there for each other. PERIOD. We pray for each other. PERIOD. We love each other unconditionally (even sometimes when we don’t “feel” like it and it’s hard). PERIOD. We can do this not because of our strength and love for each other but because of God’s strength in us and His love for us and in us. Big Period!
I love Paul’s words of encouragement in Ephesians 4:2 “Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient. Tolerate one another in an atmosphere thick with love.” The Voice
And in Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” NIV.
Who do you call family? Do you need to tell them anything today?