Coming back to the family, after a week's absence, is always interesting. I can see Carli maturing, Whitney's sense of humor and sensitivity takes another big step forward, and Cherry's commitment is put to the test by both of them. Families, yours and mine, are interesting, fun (well, at least most of the time!), and an integral part of living.
This past week my family got just a little bit bigger. Discovering shirttail relatives in distant countries and friends who seem to have always been part of my life (or should have been). It is a good thing when our families get larger. Yes, I know there is more to care for, but I find that I get more from large families than I give. I do not really go seeking, but when one finds it is hard to imagine anything better!
In the early morning hours the birds are doing their stuff, the air is still and full of anticipation, and I wonder aloud with God about the future. I fear for those in my family. I worry about their troubles, difficulties, and pain. There is anger and frustration brewing because I do not know what I can do other than pray. Then I remember.
You and I are far weaker than we will ever realize. Our needs and dreams overwhelm us. The pressures around us are consuming our defenses. It is difficult to imagine how the future will play out. We are easy targets for anyone looking to take us down.
God is stronger than we will ever realize. He created the universe and subjected himself to proving an accusation false that he knew did not contain a shred of validity from the very beginning. Some said that he was unfair, selfish, and too demanding. Some believed the accusation to be true. God proved His character by dying for every human being at Calvary. His statement is that we are His beloved; worth everything! Given that, “who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen?” (Romans 8.33) Only the uninformed.
