Families are supposed to be there to celebrate with
us during happy times and offer support when needed. But what if you don’t have that kind of
family?
No family can maintain endless harmony. Hurt
feelings or squabbles are bound to happen at some point. But some of my friends
grew up in unhealthy environments where they experienced physical, verbal, or
emotional abuse. For their survival, a few have laid down boundaries
and limited their involvement. Others have chosen to cut all ties and avoid any
communication.
That kind of severe action is painful. They may grieve
and yearn for what could have been—should have been—but will never be.
If you’re in that kind of situation, what can you
do? Or … if you have a loving family, but live so far away, you aren’t able to
participate in their daily lives or get-togethers?
To feel a sense of family, realize that you don’t
need to be connected by blood.
While attending college, my roomies and I created a
family of our own. We checked in on each other, cared about what was happening
in each other’s lives, and sometimes we ate and played together. People
involved in common causes, interests, or regular volunteer opportunities can
sometimes connect in ways that begin to feel like family.
Remember … you’re a child of God. You will always
have a heavenly Father ready to wrap his arms around you. He’s there to
celebrate with you during times of success and joy, and he’s there to comfort
during the tough times.
If you’re a Christian, you also have a family of
brothers and sisters in the church who want to love and support you. But you
have to be willing to seek them out and allow them access to your life.
On the flip side, those who have loving families can
look for opportunities to welcome others and make them feel at home.
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good
to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10 NIV).
None of us should feel alone … Embrace those who may need a “sense of family.”
You’ll be amazed at the blessings you not only offer, but receive.
Dawn
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