Family

 Today I found myself thinking about what Jesus says when someone comes to him and tells him his Mum is wanting a word with Him.

He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”  Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers.  For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matt 12: 48-50)

I think we all understand that Jesus wasn't disrespecting His family or disowning them in any way, rather He was saying that His followers were as important to Him as His own flesh and blood and at that moment what He was teaching them took precedence over stopping for a family chat. 

This past year has made us all think about our families in a way we probably never have before. Many of us have been separated from people we would normally see regularly. Christmas probably didn't pass muster last year. We have missed weddings, parties, newborn celebrations, birthday drinks, holidays together. Some may have been fortunate enough to be bubbled up with their relations. But even that has been distinctly odd. You can go off people 😁

I'm in a rather unusual situation in that I'm from a very small family. Me, mum and dad and brother James. Mum and dad both only children so no aunts uncles and cousins. Brother no children so no nieces and nephews. Just the 4 of us. And I've been separated from them for the past 20 years since moving to N Ireland. So in many ways lock down didn't make a massive difference to me with regards to seeing my family. (caveat - my Dad died. It did make a massive difference then) 

But the family I really have missed are my church family. And I mean 'church' in the broadest sense of that word. Over recent years I have come to see my church family as being not so much those with whom I attend a Sunday service, but rather those with whom I have a shared experience of Jesus.  My church family consists of quite a few people I haven't seen for 20 years. But we shared something so profound all those years ago that we truly are bound together with bonds which time and distance can't put asunder. 

I have massively missed my prayer triplet.Two brilliant ladies from a different church but who are most definitely part of my church family. We have met a few times over the past year when it was allowed. And we have been praying in pairs when possible and at a distance. But its not the same.  I've missed the house group I was part of before lock down 1.  I miss Gladys, now with Jesus.  And since being able to tune into services all over the country I have felt nostalgic for my church family of 20 years ago, many of whom I'm still very much in touch with (thanks Tim Berners-Lee) 

I think one of the things I'm most looking forward to about heaven (and I so hope it is like this!) is standing in a big group of people I dearly love with all my heart.... those I have gathered up over my lifetime , and singing to Jesus. There is nothing like sharing His presence with those who love you unconditionally, have stood with you through trials and cheered for your victories. 

I sincerely hope that when I get there my birth family will be there too.