Holding On To Family

"There is no such thing as the perfect family. Every family is unique with its own combination of strengths and weaknesses." -Unknown

"Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” -Matthew 12:49-50

  Another Thanksgiving has passed and we all now move into the next phase of holiday; Christmas. It's always about this time that many choose to display acts of kindness, charity, and goodwill to their fellow man which has, for the most part, been absent throughout the year. I always say that it will be a terrible thing if Jesus returns in June. By this I simply am inferring that the time of the year or season should not be what compels one to love their neighbor without boundaries. I am cognizant of the many charitable deeds that have been, and still are being, performed for the families in New York who have suffered such a devastating loss as a result of hurricane Sandy, but in truth, there were many in New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Seattle, (and wherever you now live), who have been in need of a helping hand long before any monumental tragedy occured.

  It's something how we see children wearing ragged clothes or shoes that are noticeably too small for their feet and all we do is shake our heads in pity. Some justify the withholding of a gift because the parents of those needy children may be smokers or drinkers and they say " If they don't care, why should I?"; but if they would realize that a person's addiction usually takes precedence over their common sense then they would believe that the children should not suffer.  And then there are those who needed our help last month and now it appears that they still need a helping hand this month. I ask you, is it in your power to do it?  I also ask you, have you ever been in a valley, and if so, how long did it take for you to reach your horizon or to see daylight?

  I believe the attitude of selfishness largely comes from the fact that people have forgotten just who family is. Too often we see family as only those who have been born from the same womb you came from, or who, in some way, share your bloodline. When in truth many of us can say that we have encountered people who have been closer than our family of origin in so many ways. 

  Some will beg to differ, but I believe that God blesses others through those who have. Yes, it is easier to say "I will keep you and your situation in prayer" rather than reach into your wallet or purse and give something more substantial than coffee change. I know I have spoken on this subject before and I know it will not be the last time because the hardest thing for people to do is to loosen their grip to help someone else, when in reality this is how we receive our blessings. 

  It would be nice if the Spirit of Christmas began in January and continued through December and on again, but sadly, this is not always true for so many. So I will continue to pray and do what I can to help those who are in need, knowing that there is always someone worse off than me.  I've had friends in my life who were so dear to me that if I had $5.00 I would give them half, if needed, and they did the same for me. 
How long will this message be preached? How long will it continue to be easier for a camel to pass through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter into heaven?
The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind.
 
May the true meaning of life and love be endowed upon us all.
I love you all,
Dennis