Culturally Irrelevant

Katy and I took the boys to Lake Eufala Thursday to join up with Katy’s family and then on to Richland Chambers in Texas for a weekend with the Watts clan. We had a great time by the water with my siblings and their families. Man, Texas is so hot right now. I couldn’t find a better photo that so aptly captured blissful relief from the heat. Yes, that’s my oldest brother Steve with two ice cold cans of beer. What else can I say?

There’s nothing quite like sunset on the lake. It’s worshipful, peaceful, rejuvenating. I was able to capture a shot of Jack’s silhouette over Lake Eufala.

Right after this we noticed a little creature in the water about 30 yards out. Looked like a beaver to me, but Katy thought it was an alligator, so we were quickly herded back into the golf cart so Uncle Jason could drive us safely home.

I’m so thankful for my family. With all of the changes in life, everyone still travels to be together. We’re different in some ways, but there’s still a sense that God is in the middle of it all. Before my Grandpa passed away a number of years ago, he used to say that he didn’t talk much about his family at work or around his friends. He’d get teary eyed as he explained how so many of his friends’ families were broken and full of strife. He didn’t want to make them uncomfortable by talking about how healthy and full of life his family was.  He’d go on to remind us of what we had and to remember not to take it for granted.

Maybe you come from a broken family. Maybe there’s divorce and strife in your past, or simply unhealthy relationships. If that’s the case, I want to encourage you. See these people in the ladder? They’re my natural family, and I’m so thankful for them. I see them a few times each year, but in the meantime, I’m surrounded by so many brothers and sisters and spiritual moms and dads. Especially over this past year, Katy and I have found ourselves surrounded by more “family” than we could ever imagine. One way or another, God can restore what you’ve lost, and he will as you continue to lean on him.

If your natural family is broken and dysfunctional, there are moms and dads and grandparents and brothers and sisters in Jesus’ body all around you. They won’t be perfect, but ask God to show you family, to surround you with people who can help you. Get plugged in and be faithful. God can restore relationships you’ve lost. Don’t let the hurt of the past steal healthy relationships God is offering you today.

And if you need a miracle in your natural family, don’t give up. Lean on the Holy Spirit, pay attention to the boundaries he gives you, follow his directions and pray. God can work such forgiveness and love in you through Jesus that many relationships can be restored. Maybe not to the place they were before, but they can definitely enter a new season of life and health. Don’t give up!