Easter and Family

Today I've been thinking a lot about family. Easter had always been a celebration of life that has taken place with my family by my side. For as long as I can remember I've been packing up with my parents and going to my grandparents house to eat, play, and hang out with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Today will be the first time in forever that I am not able to spend time with my family. What this has also taught me is that family is so much more than flesh and blood. My family, though we're chosen at first are people that I choose to love and they choose to love me on a moment by moment basis. Family is also much broader to include people who may not share my name or my genes, but they are no less family. Family is offering me a place to stay when my lease runs out; family is inviting me over for pizza and a movie with your kids; family is a willingness to share your life with someone. Family is the church, and the church should be a family. Acts 2 states this very clearly. If I were to describe to you a group of people who ate together, worshipped together, shared everything, tell me that your first guess wouldn't be describing a family. The church is so much more than four walls and the word "church" in the title. That's the greatest lesson I've learned while on my California adventure. I have been called to serve and minister in God's church, but that may not translate to working in "a church". My family has taught me greater than anyone the idea of acceptance. Random people from my life have always been a part of "family gatherings". Pastors, friends, friends of family have always been invited to Easter, Christmas, Memorial Day- any time my family gets together there are more than just Marines there. And I love it. It's moments like this that I believe God rejoices and says, "They get it, they understand the true idea of the church." And I'm so glad that I have the privilege to be a part of it. My family has always been there for me and supported me, especially when something I wanted to do or felt called to do didn't make sense. They have always been there to offer advice, counsel, and a voice of reason, but in the end have always offered the support and love that is necessary for ministry to be successful. I thank you and love you for that.