First Baptist Church of Herndon

Family Time

Linda Soller | Apr 06, 2015

First there was a location change, followed by a second location change. The location changes were accompanied by a drop in attendance for a wide variety of totally valid reasons from health, to travel, to the sharing of time with both sides of the family. The menu was adjusted with each change. The time of the meal changed. Finally there we sat for our Easter dinner, the four of us, one on a booster chair using a sippy cup. The gathering for this particular Easter was small in number, but huge in memory making potential. Four generations gathered around a table to celebrate Easter together, my mother, my daughter, my granddaughter, and me.

What makes a family and what counts as family time depends on who you ask.  To some the holiday gatherings can emphasize what they lack, but holidays may offer a unique opportunity to appreciate all we have. I just love when our extended family gathers at Easter. So I won’t deny I was disappointed as I watched the changes evolving over a matter of a week or two. Don’t get me wrong, I was never angry. I just love being around family, and when I think family I think of the large expanded version of family. Thanksgiving and Christmas are the two other times our extended family usually gathers, and as I look back there has rarely been a time when everyone was there. Why should Easter be any different?

This special Easter meal gave me pause to reflect. Sometimes we need to stop and consider what is happening around us instead of rushing through our day. Earlier on Easter morning I had gathered with my church family, once at the Sunrise service, and again at our regular service time. In between I had enjoyed breakfast with my church family, well those who happened to be there at the time. During the service we had Baptism and welcomed new members to our church family. I saw friends and family members who were visiting church members for Easter, and it was such a joy to see them again. Each one of those “family” groupings looked different, yet each was a wonderful time of sharing.

Easter has come and gone for another year. They keep saying spring is coming. Someone should tell winter. No doubt, we will become busy and distracted again. On any given day, at times when you least expect it your family may appear a bit different than it did the last time you looked. I encourage you to embrace each special “family” you have. Whether your family time is spent with relatives, friends, or people with common interests or shared values, you do have family. We are all God’s children and therefore family. What a special family time the four of us had, what a special memory. My prayer for you is a life filled with family time.

From all of my families to all of yours, Happy Easter! Happy spring! (Yes Virginia, there will be spring)

Have a great week! :o)  Linda