Family

It is good to be a part of a family.  Whether that family is biological or otherwise, one of the needs of every human is the need to belong.  Families that function properly make sure that all who are a part of that family are assured of their acceptance.
I am fortunate to be part of several families.  My biological family is, I think, a truly unusual family if for no other reason than we made a commitment long ago to get along and to look after one-another.  We’ve done that well over the years, especially since our mother and father passed on.  We’ve gotten together almost every year for the last 20 or more years, and have a good number of children, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws who join us in these gatherings.
Pat and I are also part of a church family.  We tried out one church when we moved to Wichita, liked it, and have stayed.  We never looked beyond this one.  It’s unique, and fills a real need in the lives of its family members.
One Sunday morning, the minister made an announcement regarding the health condition of one of his biological family.  He asked the congregation for prayers and became emotional as he talked.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone approach the stage area.  The man went up on stage while the minister was talking, put his arm around the minister, and said something to the effect of, “We’re gonna pray right now.”  He took over the microphone and led the entire congregation in prayer for the minister’s relative.
The man who did this was an Elder of the church and is himself battling cancer.  But he put aside his own aches, pains, and troubles to reach out to someone who has made it his life’s work to reach out to others.  I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the place when the Elder finished that prayer.
That’s what family is all about.