We had a family get-together at my brother’s house on Easter Sunday. It’s hard to get our family together because we are spread out, especially when you consider nieces and nephews. My parents and siblings all made the gathering this year. Some of my nieces and nephews are far away, but they all remember gathering at my brother’s house for the holidays. Easter is known for the Jell-O eggs and the famous Easter egg hunt.
My brother’s three kids are grown and the last one graduates from college soon. He and his wife are proud of their children. Each one has a tender heart toward the needs of others and has given so much of themselves to help others. My older sister has seven kids, two of which are still at home. Two of her kids are running successful businesses. Each of her kids would give you the shirt off their back if they thought you were in need. Most of her kids have been on mission trips around the globe, taking the gospel to people near and far. My sister and her husband have so much to be proud of in their kids.
My little sister’s kids are younger and still at home. Any one of the three could outdo me in soccer. Her children are loving and tender hearted, but look out for their competitive nature! My sister and her husband are raising some good kids. I suspect their children will grow up and have a positive impact on this world.
If my parents would stop and think about their legacy; their children, grandchildren, and now some great grandchildren…they are truly blessed. Are all their descendants perfect? Maybe in their eyes yes, but in reality, no. Have there been some bumps and scary moments along the way? Naturally. Have there been some disappointments? We are dealing with real people, so yes. But there have also been some great achievements. There have been moments when my parents beamed with great pride. There has been laughter and great joy. They are the patriarchs of a great family whose tree has branches that have spread far and wide.
I know that I am blessed to have such a good family. I also know that I am blessed to be in the family of God. Some people falsely believe that the family of God is perfect. We can’t be perfect because we are all sinners. People in the family of God are dealing with problems, struggles, and temptations. But we are lucky to have the grace of God, which gives us the power of God to make changes in our lives.
Some people choose not to be a part of God’s family because we see sinners. The family of God is full of people who make bad choices, but we should be a place that is progressing towards a more godly life and lifestyle. We should also be a place that welcomes and supports people who are going through bad times. The family of God should be there to encourage and challenge each other to a closer walk with God.
God looks at us like a proud parent. Does He know that we sin and make mistakes? Only until we repent and turn away, then like a good parent He tries to get us back on the right path. God sees in each one of us our potential, what we can be in the body of Christ. He sees the positive impact that He believes we can have on those around us. He hopes that we will be obedient and reach out with His love.
God loves each one us better than our parents loved us. God’s love is perfect. He wants us to live the best that we can, to turn away from sin that easily entangles us. He wants us in a relationship with Him that involves reading and obeying His word and talking with Him. He sees in each one of us great potential and wants us to tap into it. God’s deep, unconditional love should give us the strength to live different and fulfilling lives.
I want to encourage you to become an active member of the family of God. I am glad that I am in the family of God where I am accepted and loved. I am also glad for my family which loves each other. Whether it is our family or the family of God, we all need to be connected where we can be accepted and grow to become men and women of God. Stay connected with your natural and spiritual families!

Doug Creamer teaches Marketing at East Davidson High School. His website is located at www.dougcreamer.com Contact him at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041 or email doug@dougcreamer.com