Family Matters

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to celebrate with my aunt. It was her birthday. It was so nice to see my father’s side of the family; especially since I hadn’t seen them for approximately two years. We all met at Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant located in Dunwoody, GA. The long table was filled with family and friends. I was so grateful to be in the presence of these family members because I had just recently met them in the year of 2015. Getting to know my father’s side of the family has been and is such a blessing. 

We ordered all kinds of appetizers and entrees: mozzarella marinara, stuffed mushrooms, chicken marsala, chicken piccata, and some other pasta dishes. The food was delicious but more importantly, was the fun and fellowship that was had that day. Laughter filled the air and time with the family was met with stories, laughs, jokes, and good family conversation. After eating, we sang happy birthday to my aunt as she blew out the candle on her warm dessert, an apple crostada.

The festivities didn’t stop there. After singing “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” to my aunt, we left the restaurant and headed over to a family member’s house. There we talked, watched tv, sang “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” again and watched as my aunt blew out the candles on her red velvet birthday cake. Sitting around eating cake and ice cream with the family felt so good. I enjoyed watching my aunt open her presents and read her birthday cards. It brought joy to my heart to be around family. In some way, it made me feel close to my father who passed away when I was only 6 years old.

As I drove home, I began to think about how important family is and how much it matters. After all, God instituted family. He created us to be relational beings. It’s of great importance that we connect and love on our family; that we cherish, value, treasure and appreciate those people that make up our family. 

I am so grateful to get to know my daddy’s side of the family and get close to them. I am also thankful that I made a decision to be a part of the family of God; the household of faith. Being a part of His family is simply amazing and comes with so many benefits. As members of His family, God is our Father. We get to experience His love, our needs are met, we have eternal life, we have an eternal inheritance and He has bestowed upon us spiritual gifts and a purpose.

For it is written…

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. I John 3:1

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people and especially to those who are in the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who call out Abba, Father. So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:6-7

Let us lead others to Christ in a way that is filled with love and grace.

Family really does matter!