Friday, February 19, 2016

Dear God,

Thank you for the gift of family.  Today when I caught my first view of my granddaughter lying in the hospital bed ready for a simple surgical procedure, my heart felt full up with love for her.  After being gone for five weeks, I was glad to see her.  Spending time with my daughter and son-in-law during surgery refreshed my appreciation for them as they constantly seek to bless their children.

All through my life you have blessed me with family.  The family farm in a teeny town of 500 was the seat of familial love.  Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, parents, and siblings gathered together for meals always began with a prayer of gratitude.  We expressed our love through prayer and thanksgiving.  After meals we kids ran and played through the woods and valleys.  When we grew older all the generations played board games together.  We cheated and laughed and cheated some more.  Hilarity, hope, and love filled the old farmhouse.  When it was time to go home, we hugged everyone in the house.

You made us for each other, O Lord; you blessed us with family intended to love one another following the example of Jesus, your son, the great lover of all time.

Thank you
for family,
dear God;
thank you
for giving us
a biological family
and all others
we gather
through the years.
Most of all,
thank you
for your family
and for
inviting us
to be part
of them
as well.
Be blessed
with our love
and gratitude,
O God.

Always, Andrea