On Family

Lately I have found myself thinking about the value of family and how often we take our families for granted. When I was younger I made such an effort to make sure my friends knew how much I cared about them, remembering their birthdays, taking them out for meals or movies, and spending as much time as possible with them. In the meantime I saw my family as embarassing, abnormal, and extremely frustrating. Every family has dysfunctions and mine is no exception, yet I have come to realize that friends come and go but your family is always with you. When I was extremely depressed earlier this year my friends were great and supportive, but it was my parents, sister and girlfriend (now fiancee) that truly showed me Christ's love, support, and compassion, helping to pull me through. My advice to whoever reads this is to let your family know how much they mean to you and how much you love them. If your family and you are estranged, perhaps this little thought will cause you to re-think your situation and take steps to make amends with them. I did just that and I have not regretted my decision for a moment.