Sarah, our oldest daughter, sent me a loving e-mail awhile back. I have her permission to share part of it with you:
“I am so happy and blessed to have both of my parents alive and living together. It’s something I take for granted sometimes, but I really do feel blessed. I am so happy to have such a great family. I look around at my friends’ families and feel sad for them sometimes. I wish people like (friend’s name) had the luxury of a loving family.
Maybe that is a good idea for your Viewpoints. ‘Cherish Your Family’, if you don’t have one to cherish, then cherish your dear friends. If you see someone who has no dear friends, make them yours. I always feel sorry for people who have no one. It makes me sad. I love you so much Dad. I am truly blessed to have such a great father. Thanks for loving me always! Sarah”
Sarah was being kind in her email as just last week I was extracting a foot from my mouth for being grumpy and rude. The apostle Paul describes the role of “great” parents, “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory” (I Thessalonians 2:11-12). “But we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children” (2:7).
Sarah understands the meaning of family. Those of us who enjoy a good family are richly blessed. She speaks from the heart of a caring mother as well as a loved daughter. Family is what holds many lives together and gives us needed support. When you find someone without a family circle, it’s time to reach into their life and bring them home.
That’s exactly what God has done for anyone who accepts him. He gives us love, comfort, gentleness, and invites us into his family with every other saved person on earth. In God’s family there is no more loneliness, emptiness, or longing.
Thank you, Sarah.