Corona Devo 1573

Have we made time for family lately?  Have we invested into those that we're related to?  

Should we?  

God says, "Yes".   

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. (8) And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (9) Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.  ~I Peter 4:7-9

~~~

The concept of "family" is under attack. News, media, movies and people champion a self-propelled and self-focused ideal and image where we are the supposed star-of-the-show.  But--seek to please only yourself for long enough, and we will find ourselves alone, lonely, empty, and unfulfilled.  

Because that's not God's plan for us.  

God's purposes and plan for you and me includes us, but it includes others too, and it first includes our families.  

But putting up with people is difficult and even nauseating sometimes.  Yep, God knows that.  (And by the way, have we ever considered that we might come across as difficult or nauseating?)

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  ~Colossians 3:13     

~~~

I have a huge project coming due in about 36 hours, and I still have a lot of preparation and outcome that must happen before that deadline.  But...family.  

For a number of reasons, this was a good night (and we had a window of opportunity) to connect with both my family and my husband's.  My deadline still looms, but a family pasta night at our house developed in the midst of it.  

And over angel hair pasta, and marinara, meatballs and a homemade alfredo sauce that I burnt...love happened.  Responsibilities faded, and life together came into focus.  We all got filled up on much more than food.  Thank you, Lord, for family.

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.  ~I Timothy 5:8    

~~~

Last week, one of my besties drove for over 24 hours (one way) and through at least seven states to visit a homesick niece, stationed in a faraway city.  She conquered the miles because of love, and had a joyful heart in doing (driving) it. 

Family is worth it, and children are worth it.  The investments that we make into our families will pay dividends, and I am not talking about money.  Thank you, Lord, for family.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.  (4) Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.  (5) Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them...  ~Psalm 127:3-5

~~~

My brother and dad spend a week fishing in Canada every Summer, just like my dad did with his dad.  Sometimes there are muskellunges (muskies) biting, and sometimes there are just weeds, but the real catch isn't at the end of the fishing rod.  

Time.  Connections.  Traditions.  Memories.  These are the true trophies within a family and within our lifetimes.  Thank you, Lord, for family.

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (13) Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.  ~John 15:12-13

~~

Sometimes "family" is no blood-relation at all.  We have had family-additions in the form of care-givers, recovering addicts, international students, neighbors and widows.  Family comes in all shapes and sizes and they are worth the investment and love given.  Each of us have common ground with any and all of our brothers and sisters, even if they are not officially in our family of heritage.  We are all sons and daughters of the King, and when we realize that and see people in this light...we become family.  Thank you, Lord, for family.

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love...  ~Ephesians 4:1-2

~~~

Have we made time for family lately?  Have we invested into those that we're related to?  

Should we?  

God says, "Yes".  

  • Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (25) And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.  ~Hebrews 10:24-25  
  • How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!  ~Psalm 133:1

Thank you, Lord, for family.

Blessings,

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com

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