Families are tricky things. You may think of your family and have warm fuzzies. You may not. But at this time of year we’re bombarded with images of what a “normal” family should look like – even if it’s an alternative view. I need to be honest that this reflection was the hardest for me to write – this year. So let this be a safe space, a place where each of us is held to reflect. Be kind to yourself.
We went to Spain in the Autumn half term to stay at a house my in-laws own. It’s called a casita – a small house attached to the big house. In traditional rural Spanish culture grandparents will move into the casita when their kids have families. Families live close together and are extended. Now I’m sure things aren’t quite as simple as that, but… In China parents often work away from home for most of the year returning for New Year and Autumn festivals. Children will be brought up by the other parent or grandparents. The idea of the nuclear family is a recent idea, and within our own society family life has and is changing.
But also, families prompt in us emotions both good and bad. What do you think about the old adage: Blood is thicker than water? Apparently this could mean that our familial ties are stronger than friends; or it could mean those born from the blood of battle and life are stronger than those of the womb.
Mark 3
33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
John 19
26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman,[b] here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Take some time to draw a family tree to include those people who have shaped your lives. It may include places, events, good experiences and bad. Rather than just blood ties include experiences and key moments – crossroads, intersections, and forks in the road.
Photo Challenge: Take a picture of something inspired by the word family. Use the hashtag #woryem
family
family those we are related to
family those we choose to relate to
family
There is a place for family in this season of advent
Stop for a moment
Who do you include as family?
We are a community of faith.
Strandlopers on a journey.
We have family in this season of advent
By God’s grace we go.
Amen
Photo by Daniel K Cheung on Unsplash
I’ve been a member of BCFX for about 2 years. I love it. It’s home and hearth, welcome and challenge, ebb and flow.
