We are family

Today, my sister and I were over at my Dads, sharing a visit, some coffee and life's coming and goings. Conversation was light, fun and comfortable. It was a product of knowing each other from the very beginning. Before we knew anything about who we were, we were sisters and daughters together. At one point, my sister came up behind me, stuck her arms around me from the back and tried to snitch some cookies, pretending her hands were mine. It was a fun and childlike moment. but what I also noticed for a moment, was how good it felt to be embraced by those arms. I belong to her and she to me. God made us to be together.
     This is the season to gather with family. For many that becomes a very conflicted time.Sometimes it joyous and sometimes it's difficult and somtimes it's down right awful. After all, we often choose our friends based on similar interests, likes etc. but our family members are chosen for us, and we often marvel that we came from the same parents. After all, how could  people who grew up in the same place be so different?
My siblings and I are all such different people, personalities and interests. Our lives have taken us in such different directions. There are times when the externals make it seem like we have nothing in common. But today when my sister hugged me, it felt good right down to my toes, when my brother laughs it makes me feel so happy and young again, and when I held my sisters hands in grief at their childrens funerals, I knew I was exactly where God wanted me to be. It feels good, on a deep level.
     As we gather this week, I hope that for the most part, we all will be able to rejoice and enjoy the families God has given us. The older I get, the more I realize how really rich those relationships are and what a wonderful gift they are. I am known and belong in a most special way. The world is right in a profound way, when it is right with your family.
    So despite the crazy hecticness of it all, I'm really looking forward to all those hugs, kisses, inside jokes, lots of food, tired babies, awkward nieces and nephews, overbooked schedules and messiness that is Christmas. Bring it on.  Merry Christmas everyone, and thank you God.