Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Family Day.. Every Day not just once a year!!

I am not sure where you are from. I am from Ontario. In Ontario the government has officially declared February 20th, Family Day. Most businesses and workplaces close down for the day. This day is a day for families to bond and spend time together. It is a great day for families to get out of their winter blaws and do something eventful. Some chose to go away to someplace warm. Others chose to join the festivities that towns put on for families. It is totally up to your family what you chose to do. The main reason is to get the family together for the day.
As I was lying in bed last night, I thought it was a great day. However should family day not be every day?
I believe that family is so important. Not just to us, but God intended for a family to be a whole unit. God knows the importance of others. We need family to help uphold us in our struggles. We need the love of our family to get us through every day living. Families come in so many types and sizes. I am fortunate enough to belong to a very large family. I was the youngest of 13 children. We have all grown up and have our own families now. Although my life is busy. I have my husband and 2 girls, and the many challenges that life has to offer. Family is something that you can always turn to. Life has never been a bed of roses for me or any of my siblings. We grew up with our issues and our differences. Not one of us is identical. It is a pretty eccentric family, full of off the wall, offbeat individuals. I can honestly say that I still love them all the same. My life would not be the same without anyone of them. (Some days more than others.) We may not always see each other as much as we would like. There is never a day that goes by that I do not think or pray for my siblings and their families. One of the best parts of belonging to our family is it is always full of love. We know that if we ever need anything someone will be there. If a need is not met usually it is due to pride of us not asking. The reality is that none of us have that perfect family. God gave us our families, just as they are. There is a specific reason. We all have our own responsibilities as God’s children to take care of our family relationships. If you are lucky enough to have a family like mine, you know it is far from perfect but it is never boring. Life is always full of its surprises. Not one of them would I trade for the world. Each one of them brings a whole new meaning to my family. I also hope that I too can carry that trait on in my children. Everyone has a dream of what a perfect family should look like. God also had an idea of what a family should look like.
1 Timothy 5:8

“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Family is something that we cannot choose. God placed us into our families for a reason. He had a plan for each and every one of us. Maybe you are not involved with your family because of past hurts or unforgiveness. Sometimes it is so much easier to hold something against a family member than a perfect stranger. Sometimes it is easier to hurt a family member than a perfect stranger. Life is too short and there is nothing stronger then a family bond. God intended a family to be a whole unit. I want to encourage you that if you have issues with a family member. Reach a hand out to them. Life is too short and you never know when that opportunity could be your last chance. Things happen way too fast. Forgiveness is also the beginning of healing. God can mend those family relationships if you are willing to allow him to. Sometimes the beginning of a healing process in your hearts is forgiveness. No matter what your family is like family is a very important value to cherish. It is one gift that God has given to each and everyone one of us. I encourage you to also take the time to do and be with your family not just once a year but take time every day.