Holding Family Close

I just returned from visiting Mr. Wonderful’s family in Arizona. If you want to read about why we went to Arizona, you can find more details here. If you know me, you’ll also know that if I go to a foreign state or land, the first thing I want to do is experience the culture.

I want to seek out the hidden gem restaurants, or ethnic places that are diamonds in the rough. I want to experience the people, the places and the things that I might not get back at home…and if you ask me to eat at a chain restaurant…I will raise an eyebrow.

I learned early on, however on this trip, that most of the group wanted to sit on the patio, cook at home and just hang out. And you know what?

I was perfectly okay with that as well.

See, Mr. Wonderful has two brothers and 2 sisters and only one of them lives in our city. So when they all get together in one place…well…

It’s a pretty big deal.

Because you get to experience things like 5 siblings being reunited.

You get to witness a 50 year old son dancing with his Mama.

And sit back and watch a grandma and granddaughter who get to see each other only a time or two a year.

There is no Bible verse that clearly says “Spend quantity and quality time with your family”.

Ephesians goes into great instruction about treating your wife, husband, parents and your children with respect. Why? Because as family, sometimes we give greater respect to perfect strangers than we do to those we love. God knows how important it is to keep the family unit in harmony and love with each other. He doesn’t give bad instruction here. In fact, WOW, God is pretty doggone smart isn’t He?

When trials come along in our path, many times, the only people left at our side is our family. I have experienced this first hand and truly love my Mom, Dad, brother and my extended family as well for the encouragement and loyalty they’ve given me through tough times.

Family don’t know the meaning of the phrase “fair weathered friends”. Family will hold you down when the tornado tries to sweep you up. Family will hold an umbrella over your head in a downpour.

I know if Jesus were here today, He would be reclining around a table with his mother and brothers and disciples.

He would hold those closest to him dear. He would not worry about the petty little things.

But he would love.

We had a wonderful week with Mr. W’s family. We loved, laughed and held each other close.

Katie and her Mr. Wonderful enjoy working with youth, cooking, boating and hanging out with their six kids, one granddaughter and houseful of animals. Katie also writes the blog Dishin and Dishes, where she “dishes” about all things food. Katie also hosts a cooking/restaurant review segment on the local Oklahoma City morning news Program -Rise and Shine Oklahoma!