The meaning of family
Originally written on September 26th, 2010
Have you ever stopped to think about what the word "family" really means. Is it biological? Is it only your immediate members? Is God part of your family? What about friends and others you may know? Even co-workers? When you're little, the word "family" is pretty much your mom, dad, brothers and sisters, and probably grandparents. At least that's what I thought when I was growing up. Well last week Sunday, I was teaching Sunday School to the preschoolers. There was about 10-12 of them, which is a lot of 3-5 year olds, and we were talking about how God made or families. I love having conversations with the little ones, because they are so honest. At any rate, when I was asking the questions, I was pretty much having a conversation with Tatiana; she just seemed to have an answer for every question I asked! (Tatiana just turned 4 this past month; She's very smart and has a great imagination!) And as I was asking them who was in their family and what makes their family different than the person's next to them, she answered, "Well our family is different, because YOU are a part of our family!" I was just about speechless. I wasnt sure if I should laugh or cry. Needless to say, I laughed then, but went home later that night and cried. It was in that moment that I realized that family truly is bigger than blood and how amazing it was for Tatiana to have realized that!
I've been living with a family from church for a year and 9 months now. Much longer than I ever thought I would, but certainly not too long. At first, I struggled to understand how I could be a part of their family. Or is it that they could be a part of my family? Either way, family is family and its not just biological. We were put on this earth from the likeness of one man and one woman. How could we all NOT be family? This is one reason why the Bible tells us to treat all others, even our enemies, with respect and love.
Needless to say, Emo has been giving me a hard time with my concept of "family", pretty much ever since I moved in. I wouldn't believe it. He wasn't related to me, so there's no way he could be a part of my family. Maybe, if anything, a really close friend. It's funny how after all his harping on me, all it took was the words of his 4 year old daughter!
I am very fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful, beautiful and loving family! I pray that we all can look past the "blood", the barriers and the physical differences, just as Tatiana has, even though I dont think she realizes she even has.
Have you ever stopped to think about what the word "family" really means. Is it biological? Is it only your immediate members? Is God part of your family? What about friends and others you may know? Even co-workers? When you're little, the word "family" is pretty much your mom, dad, brothers and sisters, and probably grandparents. At least that's what I thought when I was growing up. Well last week Sunday, I was teaching Sunday School to the preschoolers. There was about 10-12 of them, which is a lot of 3-5 year olds, and we were talking about how God made or families. I love having conversations with the little ones, because they are so honest. At any rate, when I was asking the questions, I was pretty much having a conversation with Tatiana; she just seemed to have an answer for every question I asked! (Tatiana just turned 4 this past month; She's very smart and has a great imagination!) And as I was asking them who was in their family and what makes their family different than the person's next to them, she answered, "Well our family is different, because YOU are a part of our family!" I was just about speechless. I wasnt sure if I should laugh or cry. Needless to say, I laughed then, but went home later that night and cried. It was in that moment that I realized that family truly is bigger than blood and how amazing it was for Tatiana to have realized that!
I've been living with a family from church for a year and 9 months now. Much longer than I ever thought I would, but certainly not too long. At first, I struggled to understand how I could be a part of their family. Or is it that they could be a part of my family? Either way, family is family and its not just biological. We were put on this earth from the likeness of one man and one woman. How could we all NOT be family? This is one reason why the Bible tells us to treat all others, even our enemies, with respect and love.
Needless to say, Emo has been giving me a hard time with my concept of "family", pretty much ever since I moved in. I wouldn't believe it. He wasn't related to me, so there's no way he could be a part of my family. Maybe, if anything, a really close friend. It's funny how after all his harping on me, all it took was the words of his 4 year old daughter!
I am very fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful, beautiful and loving family! I pray that we all can look past the "blood", the barriers and the physical differences, just as Tatiana has, even though I dont think she realizes she even has.