Families disintegrate at an amazing rate in these times. One I know ended recently. Others speak online or in conversation about distancing between adult siblings and/or parents. I am so grateful that the prayers of my grandmothers and mother were answered so that my siblings and our spouses remain in healthy relationship.
We recently gathered at one of our homes for our biennial sibs reunion. Our homes stretch from Florida to Alaska with three more between. Planning allows all of us to set schedules, so we get to see one another. Unfortunately, this year one of us had to leave early unexpectedly, so we weren’t all together at the same time. But the maturity and forgiveness that God has wrought in all our souls made us closer instead of driving a wedge between us.
Another happening could have split us as well. We’re all human and sometimes our behavior is not what we’d like. Slips of tongues and unwise actions could have derailed our joy in being together but did not. Instead, we all chose to be grownups and apology and forgiveness reigned. Years ago, we chose to set aside the differences in our childhoods. We recognized that children don’t see the whole story and their reactions to behavior and situations requires revision in opinion as adults. We chose love and continue to choose love for one another despite (or because of) our human frailties.
I know my mother prayed that we could be friends as well as siblings. She wanted us to remain family after she had gone before. Our unending text stream helps tremendously. Everyone gets the important news at the same time and shares it with spouses. Technology can be a blessing; no one has to make four phone calls to bring up an idea and even more to confirm plans. It’s all there on our phones, ready for response and agreement. We all pray for one another at any need, large or small, that is posted for all to see. And sharing the beauty we find in our families and nature knots the ties that bind tighter.
God’s faithfulness to help us continue to grow in maturity is the foundation of our family. My grandmothers knew of its power; my mother sought God’s face regularly to help her raise five children alone. We each still benefit from those requests made of the Lord on our behalf. We have all allowed God to grow us up; His mercy extended to each of us we pass on to one another.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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