When I was a kid, I’ll admit–I didn’t always want to go to family gatherings. I mean, I usually did. That’s just the way I grew up–family gatherings were a good time, for real. But sometimes (mostly when I was in my tween years) I just didn’t want to go. I thought I was (wait for it)…too cool for stuff like that.
Excuse me while I roll my eyes.
We’ve all been there (or maybe you weren’t as awful as I was at 13 years old).
“But Mom, it’s so boring!”
“But Mom, they’re all so old!”
“But Mom…waah waah waah!”
Ok, I wasn’t that bad. But you get my point. I must have had like the worst memory ever, because I always had a good time at family gatherings and yet still managed to convince myself that I didn’t want to go.
Explain that one to me.
But I know better now. As I’ve gotten older and started to realize that there are a lot of things in my life that are rapidly changing, I’ve also started to realize just how refreshing and comforting it is to know that I always have my family–that this one thing has remained (somewhat) constant. Sure, we’ve lost some along the way. And we’ve mourned and still mourn the loss. And of course, some have been added, and we’ve rejoiced in being able to say that they are part of our family.
But one thing has remained the same: We are still family, and we still love each other. And we still love to see one another.
I can’t even express to you how good it makes me feel to be in the presence of people who are happy to see me. And I know they are, because I’m always greeted with hugs and smiles and questions about how my life is going–and never once do I feel like it’s just for show. Because it’s not.
I can’t imagine what it’s like to have to go through life without the joy of having a family like this. My heart aches for people in that situation, and I just wish that I could “adopt” them into my own family so that they can know what it feels like. Everyone deserves to have a family that loves them. No exceptions.
These people are your blood (or in some cases, your “honorary” blood). These are the people who celebrate with you when something good happens. These are the people who comfort you and hold you up when something awful happens. These are the people who support you when you’re doing something difficult or life-changing. These are the people who give you stuff and do stuff for you just for the heck of it. These are the people who will love you and accept you no matter how much you screw up, or treat them poorly, or disrespect them.
That’s what a true family is. And I believe that’s exactly what God intended them to be. Because a life without a true family is a life without one of the purest forms of joy.
So now, I look forward to every single family gathering. Even when there’s something else keeping me from being able to make it, let me tell you, I’m still gonna try my hardest to be there–even if for only an hour. Because even an hour among my family is enough to remind me–and to remind them–just how much I love them.
Moral of the story: Don’t take the time you get to spend with your family for granted. Count it as a huge blessing, because I believe it’s one of God’s greatest. What a beautiful thing it is to have people in your life who don’t want to see you out of obligation, but just want to see you.
I believe this kind of family is one of the things in life that God intended for each of us to have and for each of us to enjoy–no exceptions and no limitations.
And should life ever take me somewhere far from home, I pray that God never lets me forget the irreplaceable joy of being around my family.
And also that I can afford the airfare for regular visits home.
Brianna Lee Kauffman 