Last weekend I preached in Dierks, Arkansas–the first place Jan and I did a full-time ministry work after graduating from college 44 years ago. It was delightful to spend time with a part of our spiritual family–a part of the family we have not seen for many years. The memories are still sweet, the love still flows, and the church surprised us with a wonderful gift for the mission work.
Last evening I received news from San Juan del Obispo (also a part of my spiritual family) of three more baptisms and of the anticipated baptism today of one of the ladies I taught during my February trip to Guatemala. I am grateful for a spiritual family that is virtually endless in the multiplied churches across Latin America where I work in missions.
This weekend Jan and I have Michael and the grandchildren with us–we have spent the weekend enjoying family. This morning we will worship with our spiritual family at Park Plaza–this is only the third Sunday this year that I have been in town so I will enjoy immensely renewing our sweet fellowship. Today at noon, our Community Group will meet for lunch at our house–a small slice of our spiritual family but those who are special to us.
Family gives us identity. Family reminds us of who we are. Family supports us, encourages us, loves us, forgives us, and helps us become what God calls us to be. As my grandchildren pray, “Thank you God for my family.”