All in the Family

…that you may be sons of your Father in heaven MTH 5:45 NIV

Growing up the youngest of five siblings, you sometimes have to reach for your own identity. Inevitably along the way, comparisons become a common occurrence; "You look like your sister." "Your brother is a good athlete; what sport do you play?" "Your older sister was an outstanding student in my class; you have big shoes to fill." I have big shoes to fill, that's for sure. I have four pairs of big shoes to fill, as a matter of fact.

What notable examples I have had that influenced my journey. What standards, what giftings, what a trail blazed before me. What a challenge to emanate their likenesses, what a, well honestly, what an occasional burden! I have the big shoes of integrity and discipline of my eldest brother. I have the big shoes of knowledge and education like my next oldest brother. I have the big shoes of sensibility and faith of my oldest sister and the big shoes of compassion and kindness of the sister closest to me in age. Big shoes. Strong, sturdy, stabilizing shoes.

As the youngest with five years up the age ladder to the next one in line, I spent considerable childhood time trying to be like them without the necessary maturity to reach my goals. As hard as I would try, I could never borrow my sister's shoes, play my brothers' drum set like him, read what my other brother was reading, or grow my hair like my other sisters' beautiful shower of auburn silk. Nope. Didn't have this or that or the other to make me just like them, no matter how hard I tried.

But they left behind them examples of goodness. They dropped jewels of wisdom along the way (don't tell them I said that, though, I like keeping the sibling rivalry going), made some mistakes I learned from, and guided me through plenty of my own. Don't get me wrong, we were far removed from the Brady Bunch, the Partridge Family, or the Waltons, but we had our moments nonetheless. My brothers had their own things going on, but if I needed defense, they were instantly suited up and ready to go. My sisters were married women by the time I was 13. Still, in their own busy beginnings of adult life, they were instantly there if I needed a lecture, a hug, or a box of Kleenex. Every time.

These days we laugh together about reader glasses, wrinkle cream, hot flashes, and sleeping in our recliners. I look about me and see how fortunate, how blessed, how honored I am to call these people my family. Humbled by their character, impressed by their consistency, and envious of their abilities to laugh at themselves, I see a touch of my heavenly family in my living room. In my moments with my siblings, I see a glimpse of the kidding, the laughter, and the supernatural reunion with those who have gone before us and are also waiting for that day in heaven. Some days I can hardly wait. But, most days, I am carried by the gratitude of the glimpses of it my Heavenly Father has given me here on earth.

When was the last time you called your family? Are you still angry over whatever happened ten years ago? Are your offenses, differences, and emptiness causing you to miss glimpses of your impending heavenly family? Today could be the day your focus becomes sharper, your optimism is restored, and your heart is renewed. Believe it or not, many families have never been able to move past the fallen human sin nature in those they are biologically connected to. Sometimes most folks have more mercy for strangers than family.

God instituted family to teach us, to grow us, and to show us a better way. It's not an accident that it was a Son he sent. It is by design that He calls himself our Father. Time and time and time again, He says we are His kids, His sons' brothers, and sisters. His family. Today could be the day you get back in touch with your earthly family and catch a glimpse through them of those beautiful things to come. You may have to make a move, write an email, or pick up the phone. Still, He will be there every step of the way, whispering encouragement and forgiveness to you and for you to pass it on to others. As you ponder that possibility, I will take my leave. My cell phone is ringing, and it's my sister.

Pass the Grace,

Jan