Family....
The best thing and the most frustrating thing! Those that read this and truly know me will know how this is true for me. After Rick & I went through our marriage issues, I'm having to branch out to my family. This is the only way I will change and continue to get closer to Christ.
Those that don't know me and only know what I write might be wondering what in the world I'm talking about. So a very short history of my family. I am the 3rd oldest of many children (combined family). There is Clint, Jeremy, me, Jackie, Kyle, Ryan, Joe, Kipp, and Jamie. I haven't always talked to each of them and I still don't talk to a few of them. I wish I could say I was closer to all of them. Some of it is because I was a very selfish person. Some of it is because they were/are selfish too. We all have our faults and we all have our good points. Growing up with such a combined/blended family was very difficult.
However, I am slowly realizing I'm needing to contact each one of them and tell them sorry in some way or another. As I raise my children, things and priorities are changing. I tell them, "it doesn't matter who does what, if you do something wrong (even on accident) you need to apologize." How are they going to learn to repent and change if I don't. Who teaches them? Me or the world. I guarantee the world won't teach them the Christian way. It is my duty as their mother. To that, who will teach them to forgive if I don't?
I have been very blessed to be married to a man that has a big close family. They are teaching me in many ways what it is to love so completely and deeply. Coming from a lot of stress and heartache, I love this! I only hope that God will allow me to show each of my siblings how much I love them. If He has other plans, I only pray then that I will have the foresight to lean on him and not throw a temper-tantrum.
Christmas is a time for hope. It is a time to reflect. God sent his son. He came down from heaven to a manger. That is how much he loved us. He wants a relationship with us. He wants us to have a relationship with others in His name! Because I want to have a closer relationship with HIM, I will strive to have a closer relationship with my family. I know it won't be easy but with Christ, I have all the hope I will need.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
