Then afterward, I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female slaves, in those days, I will pour out my spirit. (Joel 2: 28-29 NRSV)
We humans have defined family in many ways: there is blood family, adopted family, wedded family and claimed family. I am sure most of you know someone who is not blood kin, but nevertheless, is considered part of your family.
The family we are born into is our blood family. Blood family is flesh of our flesh. They are the kinfolks that stretch back along the pedigree and the ones who will continue into the future when we are long gone.
But then there are those people who become family: by marriage, by adoption, or by long friendship and sturdy constancy.
Chosen family may not be flesh of our flesh, but they are just as close and important, because together we have forged a bond that cannot be broken.
I am grateful for all of those wonderful people who have influenced my life: family, friends, neighbors, teachers, preachers, writers, musicians and authors.
As I write this, a few days before publication, it is my birthday. These days, birthdays are mixed blessings: they reassure me that I am still living; however, they remind me that I am getting older, possibly actually getting old!
Even so, I always consider the alternative: I may be getting old, but at least I am still alive and kicking!
The most important aspect of family is that we belong to each other. We are—all of us—God’s children, put here on earth to make a difference!
Blessings on you, family!