Family Sharing

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family:  Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."  Jane Howard

As Ms. Howard mentioned, regardless of what we call it we absolutely do need one.  I call my loved ones my family and they are spectacular.  Oh, we have our differences in politics, religion, economics, ethics, even parenting, but one thing that we do have is our love and devotion to one another.  Some really close families have more stressor points than we do and maybe that's because they know just a little too much about each others business.  My family is not something unusual or greatly special...it is a family of caring and sharing.

While my husband, Don, is going through some serious health issues that have dragged on for several months and will continue for a while until some causes are found, my family came to our aid.  It has been difficult for me to take care of the yard in a way to keep it cleaned up and trimmed up and 'spruced' up.  The yard was in desperate need of bushes pruned, trees trimmed, weeds removed, a couple of things dug up and some low maintenance planting done in special spots.  My marvelous family came to our rescue.
Barbara, sister, and Charlie, bil
Richard, brother, and Kathy, sil
Raymond, brother
Mark, son, and Marcey, dil
Rick, nephew, and his children, Trey and Evie

These folks came to my house on Memorial Day and worked for 5 hours getting our yard shaped up.  We worked hard and worked well, we had a lot of laughs and a lot of moans and groans.  We ate hot dogs and baked beans and deviled eggs and drank gallons of water.  We were all dirty and sweaty and tired but filled with satisfaction and love and the realization that God can guarantee our ties will strengthen through this kind of sharing and giving.  Then we all went to my son's house for a swim and some rejuvenation.  What a great day!!

For thousands of years the family unit has been at the hub of every civilization or nation.  Primitive tribes held to the code of the family fortune, including material possessions, social structures, mercantile advantage, search for ideal sharing and caring.  European clans knew that only their own would truly care about the outcome of the clan endeavors.  The fact that members of the next two generations were present to help in the yard work for a family member will help to pass on the knowledge that family must surpass any laws or regulations, social strictures, economic differences, or ethic/spiritual hangups.

Is everyone lucky enough to have a great family?  Of course the answer is 'no' since every person is born into a different set of circumstances and a life path can change circumstances.  The crux of human existence is the present and future strength of the human 'family' and it's place in our society.

I do pray that each and every one of you can connect to those of your 'family' and will enjoy the love and caring and sharing that can only be found in a family that knows it's God-given role in eachother's lives.