By Brother Matthew Henson

My wife’s family gathered this weekend for the funeral of my wife’s sister-in-law. It was the first time my wife’s family had this many family members together in one place in seven years. As each person arrived, the room lit up with greetings, hugs, and laughter. We all recognized the weight of the moment; while knowing we were blessed with family to support and walk through this valley of the shadow of death together.

In our transient, busy culture, family gatherings seem to be more difficult. They require a lot of planning and intentionality. They require us to intentionally slow down our normal life schedule to put an emphasis on being together. God has placed us in families. God works within the family. God brings healing within the family.

Jesus shined new light on the family unit when in Mark 3:33-35 we read, “’Who are my mother and my brothers?’ he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.’” Jesus moved us beyond the family unit where we were raised to the place of the family where our hearts are united in love for God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

During this season of Thanksgiving, I give God thanks for the families of which I am a part.

• First, for my birth family where I was raised, encouraged, loved, and disciplined. I give God thanks for parents who fear the Lord and for siblings who, though annoying at times, have always been nearby.
• Second, for the family God has created through the joining of my wife and I in marriage. The love we experience and the children we have been blessed to love are a gift from God.
• Third, for my church families in a variety of places. As a preacher’s kid, we moved to different churches who quickly became part of my family. The Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders, and peers are still important in my life.
• Fourth, for my camp family. I was raised going to the same Church Camp every summer. These friends became family for me. We have walked through death and the celebration of new life together over the years. Though I may not keep in constant touch with many of them, when we see one another after a long time, we pick up where we left off, as though we had not been separated.
• Finally, for my Living the Adventure and Christian Ashram family around the world. This family continues to grow with every trip. I am grateful for our work together and the support and love I receive when I enter these communities.

We recognize families are dynamic relationships with issues. We are thankful for all our families. It is easy to take for granted the gift our families can be in our lives. I give God thanks and look forward to each opportunity to be together during this holiday season. We pray for unity in our families and for fear, anxiety, and disagreement to no longer have control.

How can we show our thankfulness to our families this holiday season? Are we daily thanking God for the family units active in our lives each day?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for placing me in a family. We are thankful for each family for which we are part. Bring unity in our homes; in our family relationships; and in our churches that we might find healing and wholeness in our family this holiday season. In Jesus’ name. Amen.