Family Matters

1969 was the last time we had all been together. Cousins from five different states traveled in the summer of 2024 to our home in Colorado for a wonderful family reunion.

Here is me with two of these cousins celebrating our birthdays in 1969. Don’t I look happy? I think this was before I liked girls!

Why is family so important to us? What even constitutes family?

Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:47-50

Jesus was saying that His family is not biological, but spiritual. It’s made up of people who live to please their heavenly Father. The apostle Paul calls them the family of faith.

“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” Galatians 6:10

The family of faith is like no other. It’s been said that blood is thicker than water,  meaning that familial bonds will always be stronger than other relationships. I disagree. The family of faith is closer to each other than any other family on earth and it’s not because of blood. I take that back. Our closeness is because of blood. The blood of Jesus has washed our sins away and made us heirs of God and brothers and sisters for eternity. Now, every time I get together with my family of faith I am attending a family reunion. The joy we experience together is out of this world! Literally!

Family matters, whether it’s biological or spiritual. I dearly love my long lost biological cousins. We’ve all decided, since we won’t be alive on earth in 2079, not to wait another 55 years until we see each other again!

Besides, I plan that year to be at another family reunion. One that will last forever!