We are Family

I have been struck recently with what a blessing it is to be part of a loving family. Christmas is usually a time when we think of getting together to celebrate and enjoy each other. Andy and I were together by ourselves on Christmas Day. It was quiet and peaceful. We puttered around the house and just relaxed - which is rare for us.

Then on Saturday, the day after, we drove up to my brother's in Berks County where all my brothers and sisters and their kids and my mother spent the day together. All our daughters and their husbands and children were there. I believe the total was 28 adults and 18 children. We ate in my brother's basement and there was lots of room down there to play, too.

Game time

Great Niece Madi

Sister Judy and granddaughter Joanna

Mother and granddaughter Kira

But I've been thinking the last couple of days that there are many people who do not have the privilege of being in a warm loving family. I know of one such person and my heart goes out to her in her loneliness and pain. She has no family and doesn't even know where her parents are or if they're even still alive. How sad. I can't help tearing up whenever I think of her.

In our pastor's message this morning, he mentioned that loneliness is really homesickness for God. Wow! What an interesting concept. He said, "human relationships are important, but of far more importance is our instinct to be home with God." You can listen to his whole message here.

Then on my way home from church I heard Steven Curtis Chapman singing a song on the radio ~ All I Really Want for Christmas.

Well, I don't know if you remember me or not
I'm one of the kids they brought in from the home
I was the red-haired boy in an old, green flannel shirt
You may not have seen me, I was standing off alone

I didn't come and talk to you 'cause that's never worked before
And you'll probably never see this letter, anyway
But just in case there's something you can do to help me out
I'll ask you one more time

All I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in
A shoulder to cry on if I lose, shoulders to ride on if I win
There's so much I could ask for, but there's just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas is a family

Well, I guess I should go ahead and tell you now
If it's really true about that list you have
Somehow I always seem to end up in a fight
But I'm really trying hard not to be bad

But maybe if I had a brother or a dad to wrestle with
Maybe they could teach me how to get along
And from everything I've heard, it sounds like the greatest gift on earth
Would be a mom

All I want for Christmas is someone who'll be here
To sing me happy birthday for the next 100 years
And It's okay if they're not perfect or even if they're a little broken
That's alright, 'Cause so am I

Well, I guess I should go, it's almost time for bed
Maybe next time I write you I'll be at home

'Cause all I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in
Tell me I'll never be alone, someone whose love will never end
Of all that I could ask for, well, there's just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas is a family.

So thank you, dear God, for my mother and dad who love You and us, my brothers and sisters, my dear husband, my sweet daughters and their loving husbands and all those precious grandchildren. My life is rich and full with earthly blessings. But most of all, I thank You, dear Lord, for Yourself and that because of Jesus' coming to earth, I can know You, the richest of all relationships. Because only YOU can truly satisfy.