Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages
and for all generations.
Psalm 145:13
A website through which I’ve published some family photo books recently emailed a collection of photo memories from a decade ago. These included pictures of my immediate family and our first two grandchildren who’d arrived by then. Unexpectedly, the photos also included shots of my sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins and my uncle and two aunts who have since passed away. I admit to giving in to a bit of a pandemic pity-party and a few tears as I longed for those gatherings which used to bring us all together.
Over the years, tears threatened during those gatherings as well. We habitually shared family stories and our common memories. All of these evoked thoughts of our many loved ones who’d passed on. These included not only many of our parents, but several cousins as well. In the end, I can never help smiling my tears away as I consider the significant impact these special people have had on my life. “We’re definitely a unique family,” I tell myself, “mostly because of the love which binds us together no matter what.”
As I consider my no-matter-what family, I must acknowledge that we willingly admit that not one of us is perfect. Still, we wouldn’t trade our family ties for anything. Though this pandemic will keep us from gathering for a while longer, it won’t keep us from acknowledging that we have been deeply blessed. We’ve been given a taste of God’s intent for us all. We’ve experienced unconditional love firsthand.
Good and Gracious God, thank you for revealing your affection in the people you have given us to love and in those who so generously love us in return.
©2020 Mary Penich – All Rights Reserved