FAMILY TREE

Image credit add1sun on Flickr

accusing of what we would rather forget.

We are family--and we need love, acceptance,

feedback, life-flowing forgiveness leaf to leaf,

low branch to toppers, connecting common roots

beneath us, never severing with loppers!

Beauty of our blending brings hope to others;

getting together offers shades of laughter.

Heritage oaks support strong rope swings, holding

young ones safe with memory cords as the wind sings.

We are family; let's sing and talk of old days,

tell of childhood dreams and schemes, replaying the

funny, faith-filled, nostalgic stories--investments

that link us together--keepsakes to treasure.

Family was God's idea.  From the beginning, He made them male and female and told them to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth.  Adam was incomplete without Eve, the mother of all living.  God designed the sexual union for both procreation and pleasure of becoming one flesh--later likening it to the mystical union of Christ and His church.  Children would be the cherished result, a continuing "seed" to carry on God's covenant with His people.

Despite deviation from God's design, the family is still His institution.  Though each generation must choose whether or not to walk in His way, His covenant to bless was to children & children's children. We who are blessed with a Christian heritage, however imperfect it may have been, should give thanks every day.  It is of the utmost importance that we faithfully transmit truth, practice God's presence with our children and grandchildren, and reflect as best we can the character of our Loving, Magnificent, Mighty, Holy, Incomparable God--to make Him the core of our own lives so that they will want to make Him the center of their own.

Perhaps some of you feel heartbroken because of the waywardness of your offspring.  You may blame yourself or others, but that produces only more pain.  We can repent of our own failing to instruct or exemplify the life God intended for us, then we can "stand in the gap" and intercede in the Holy Spirit for our children and grandchildren--as well as other relatives.

And now, ah, what about other relatives?  I dearly love all my siblings, but I hurt for many whom I know feel more uncomfortable obstacles of offense with theirs rather than family closeness!  Family reunions may be coming up for you this summer.  I urge you to do whatever it takes to make it a treasured time--for your own sake, for others, for the generation who follows.  Have fun, laugh, but not at the expense of  anyone else.  Hear your words through others' ears.  Sure, there are those you naturally enjoy and find it easy to relate to.  But take a little time to get to understand a little better those you might cringe from meeting.  Look them in the eye and smile at them!  You can do it!  And peer closely past any appearance of self-centered annoyance or disgusting degradation; try to see them as though looking at them through the eyes of Jesus.  If there should be a barrier between you, be the first to humble yourself and cross it.  The rewards of forgiveness are forgiveness for yourself, much better physical and emotional health, lasting benefits for those who witness the release, clear conscience confidence, and peace.  Ah, yes, and the blessing and favor of God--in this temporary life and the eternal one to come!