Family Ties
Now Think On This
Steve Martin
“Delighted with the world of things and creatures, happily celebrating the human family.” (Proverbs 8:31, THE MESSAGE)
Summertime is a good season for family reunions. It’s an annual gathering of relatives who enjoy talking about the good old days, when life wasn’t so complicated as it can seem today. Cherished in recollection are those years of the days gone by when right was right and wrong was wrong. Sharing moments of “back then” helps shed light on how things should be now.
I myself will be attending two such events this summer – one on my Dad’s side and one on my Mom’s side. Both will take place in southeastern Minnesota, the land where many of my ancestors, relatives and I were born and raised.
Around my current home location, in beautiful North Carolina, it is enjoyable to see family reunions using the picnic tables at local city park shelters when you see the brightly colored t-shirts, all the same color of course, proclaiming the family name and reunion date. At times you might even see matching ball caps, as I provided when I was in charge of our family reunion.
Picture the Father’s loving heart as He also sees these family times. Watching the adults and children, some very young and others very old, with all ages in between, is very special, as they are reconnecting, interacting, and showing appreciation for the lives each has traveled, while at the same time making more memories for the generations that follow. You can see how the One who created family expresses Himself even further when His children know and experience the bonds of love, support and encouragement that comes about when families thrive. His care, provision and protection is demonstrated over and over again as the family unit is cherished and nurtured.
As important as these natural gatherings are, in order to follow His lead, part of my earthly father’s duties is to take the spiritual responsibility to pray daily for each of my immediate family members. My good wife, children, spouses and grandkids know that their names are brought before the throne of heaven often. Caring for them in this manner will further maintain that foundation laid, from which to keep looking up. It is from where their help supernaturally comes. Sharing my Father’s heart assists in continually strengthening theirs.
As we can share in these natural and supernatural moments of love, may each of us as parents strive to be a safety net for those whom we have been given care for, from the time of birth, through the growing years, and even until the time of eternal passage. Though many of our children are now grown adults, may we continue to be a source of strength and encouragement for them, and for the ones that have also come forth.
Enjoy your family reunion should you be blessed with one. Continue to be an example of the Father’s love for His children, and how He has purposed for us to be connected with these times of family ties.
Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).
Now think on this,
Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People, Inc.
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Now Think On This #347 - in the year of our Lord 07.16.18 – “Family Ties”, Monday, 11:30 am
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