YOU HAVE FAMILY!

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, (Ephesians 3:14, 15 ESV)

I had one of the most amazing "life experiences" this week as I took my mom to Santa Barbara to attend the funeral of her only brother who recently died.  It was interesting to be able to see and connect with some of my family of whom I hadn't seen in many years. One cousin, I hadn't seen since she was a teenager and now had a family with 3 beautiful kids.  As we sat around the table reminiscing about the past and our lives now - I was impressed with this very fact - "You have family."  

As we got ready to leave - we said our goodbyes, exchanged phone numbers and promised to stay in touch. I took a picture with my phone for showing my family and remembering later.  When we got home, I pulled up the picture to show my wife and family, and as I did - something really interesting happened... the face tag from my phone tagged my cousin's face asking if it was me.  I've never had that happen with anyone - not even with my own brother or sister.  There had to be enough similarities in our facial features to identify her and I as the same person.

Later on I decided to give her call and talk to her and tell her about what my phone did.  This is where is gets interesting and amazing.  As she answered the phone - I began to tell her what happened on my phone and I said, "You Have family!"  She, in return, began to tell me of the lost feeling that she felt because of her dad's passing recently and her mom years ago.  She was asking, "How do fit" and "Who am I connected to?"  I was able to reiterate over and over "You have family."  The DNA would prove that and the resemblance is unmistakable.   It was an amazing time of reconnecting and reestablishing our family ties.

There are some lessons for us spiritually as well.  If you have given your heart to Christ - "You have family."  It's a very big family and there are many family members you haven't even met yet.  I like what Aimee Grant's song has to say - "You've got your father's eyes."  When I look at you - I can see Jesus and when you look at me - you can see Jesus also.  We've got His DNA (the blood of Christ) and we've got His characteristics.  "You have family today!"  

Perhaps you've strayed away and have not been very connected but "You got family today."  Don't neglect our times together. Don't think coming to church is not very important. We need each other and can be a great blessing in ministering to each other's needs. "You have family today!"