I arrived home late Monday night this week after almost three weeks away.
The sweet reunions and special times spent with family during the week have given me opportunity to reflect upon the importance of home and family. Not only have Jan and I spent more time together this week than during a “normal week”, I also had some one-on-one time with my youngest grandson on Tuesday–climbing trees, looking at pine needles, and enjoying some late afternoon rays from the sun as it treks further south in the sky. Wednesday evening our two oldest sons joined us for homemade pizza and salad before Bible class; Thursday evening Jan and I enjoyed time with Geoffrey and his family–eating out, lingering over the meal, talking about plans for the future (Thanksgiving plans together and Skyla’s plans for college in the spring), agreeing together that ice cream afterward was a bit much, enjoying small talk and sharing life. This weekend Jan and I will get away together for a mini-vacation, and next Tuesday we will make a day-trip to Arkansas to help take care of various issues related to her mother’s ongoing care.
Reflections….
Family is a major influence in our identity, a part of who we are. In family, we are continually reminded of our significance, that others love us, that others care and want to be with us.
Family time depends on quantity. One cannot spontaneously generate “quality time.” Quality time is a serendipity of quantity time.
Family is an opportunity to learn mutuality. In the midst of deep relationships, we do what we do because we confidently know that others have done and will do the same for us.
In family, we invest ourselves in others, seeing the beauty of the past and the hope of the future.
Family is a place where we give without asking how much it will cost or whether we will get anything back in return.
Family is a place of encouragement and strength, a place of laughter and life lived lovingly.
Family is a place where we share life fully, a place where we know that others will welcome us and accept us.