I am blessed...

Do you ever have moments where you realize just how blessed you've been in life?  I know I've had many of those over the years.  Most have occurred during times I've been overseas in different lands and have seen firsthand the poverty and despair around me.  Other times it's been in quiet moments when I reflect on how much God has protected me from the evils of the world.  But tonight, it came in the form of a phone call from my Grandma.  She called to thank me for a photo book I put together of our family reunion we had recently for her 80th birthday.  Such a simple thing, I know, but it was her words that touched my heart and made me once again give praise to God for the blessings I've had in life of a loving family.  We're by no means perfect.  And we're all VERY different from one another. Different beliefs, different lifestyles. But every time we come together, there are so many laughs and good times that it's hard not to sit back and realize that this is rare.  Not every family can boast of such loving, cordial relationships.  Every day on the news you hear of many stories of families in turmoil.  I find it unbelievable that the very people who swear to love each other end up tearing each other apart.  Fortunately, I've been blessed to be a part of a loving, caring family.  In tough times, we've been there for one another.  In celebration, we've shared those moments together. Over the years, I've learned that not every family has these same blessings and I've grown more thankful for my family.

As I've grown older, I've learned that I need to cherish each and every moment I have with my family.  You just never know when it could be the last.  When I was out in California last month, I sat around my family and soaked it all in.  I didn't just take pictures with my camera, but I took mental "snaps" of every great moment. I don't want to forget that weekend and the wonderful times we had together. Times spent around a campfire, laughing and roasting marshmallows.  Times spent playing games with hula hoops.  Times spent taking walks, talking about our lives and just being around one another.  These are the moments in life we all remember the most.  They're the ones worth more than all the gold and silver in the world.  I hope if you're reading this you can also boast of a great, loving family in your own life.  If you have it, be thankful for it.  But if you come from a family background that has been ripped apart by hatred or grief or indifference, I pray that in the future you can find peace and come to a point of reconciliation with your family.  

I don't know if God will ever bless me with a family of my own.  I pray that it will happen one day.  I pray for a husband and children I don't even know exist.  I pray for these things because I realize the value of family and how beautiful it all is.  God created us to be a part of families from the beginning.  First, we're a part of His family.  He is our loving Father, we are his children.  Second, we are a part of our families here on earth.  These are sacred bonds and I pray that I may discover the joy of creating my own earthly family one day.  But until that day comes, if it does come, I will still give my praise to God for letting me grow up in a loving family.  It's definitely been a blessing.