The Family of God

I am spending this week at the beach with my extended family. We have been coming to the same place for years, generations even, and this year there are 16 of us ranging in age from 5 to 83. Not all of us have been able to come each year, and every time we gather, the make-up of the family is a little different. Some times there are new family members, whether by birth or by marriage, and some times there are those who are no longer living, but who are still very much a part of the family. Occasionally there are "special friends" brought to the beach, and if they "pass inspection" or are not overwhelmed  by our family, may take the next step of marriage into the family. One of the highlights each time we gather are those times of sitting around the huge dinner table as we share meals together. It is a time of remembering, of sharing funny or touching stories - usually with lots of laughter and occasionally with some tears. Even as a child gathered around that table, I can remember how important those stories were. I loved hearing stories of past generations, shared recollections that were reminders of how important common experiences are in a family.

Today I had the privilege of meeting the newest member of our church family, who is only three weeks old. He is here at the same beach with his family, four generations who have also gathered regularly, sharing lives, stories, laughter and tears. As I thought about family and passing on stories through the generations, I reflected on how that is in our faith. How important it is to gather as family, to share those stories, to pass on from generation to generation those things that tie us together. Our Old Testament forefathers and foremothers knew how important that was, and reminded often to teach the children, tell the stories and gather at the table. If we do that, we become more sure of who we are and whose we are. 

Now I must close this writing, as my young nephews have just run in, ready to tell about their latest experience this afternoon. Lord God, help me to make time to both hear their stories and tell them about what it means to be Family. Amen.

By: Margaret Freeman On 6/25/2009