Last Sunday we were invited to join the Jimenez family for an afternoon in the park. We have been friends for more than 20 years and our daughter married into the family 15 years ago. Picnics in the park are a Texas tradition and families stake out their spot to make sure they don’t get left out. Fortunately the sun came out, the temperature was mild, and there was a constant breeze keeping us cool.
Our daughter, an only child, was welcomed into the family where she was helped and cared for while my wife and I were living on the other side of the world. We weren’t there to prepare for her wedding or the birth of our three grandchildren, but her new family was. Her Mother-in-law even let them stay in their home while they were building their own.
A large family to begin with, we have watched as the Jimenez family grew and expanded over the years. The children we used to see in Church have grown up and now have children and grandchildren of their own. They aren’t perfect and have had their share of problems, but the family remains tied by blood and love. I am so glad our daughter and grandchildren have such an extensive family to love and be loved by.
It was great to see our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren enjoying the company of their family. There was plenty of food, a small water park for the kids and shade for the rest of us to escape the sun. Cascarones (egg shells filled with confetti) livened up the gathering as everyone got some cracked on their head and confetti in their hair. My grandson even dared to crush one on Grandma! I am also thankful we were included in that family gathering.
That family gathering was something like when the family of GOD has a gathering. When we were welcomed into the body of believers, we became part of an extensive family. We have traveled and lived around the world and have been welcomed by our Christian family wherever we were. We weren’t treated as strangers and weren’t alone during times of trouble. In addition, the family, friends and loved ones we left behind were cared for and helped by the family of GOD back here. We watched as other members of the family grew and developed. Members who were once babes in Christ have become leaders in the Church. The family isn’t perfect and has its share of problems, but is tied together by the blood of JESUS and His love.
The Bible says “let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb 24-25 KJV). We need the fellowship of the believers because our love for one another strengthens us and prepares us to love the lost. GOD set the standard when He “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). JESUS completed the deal when He died on the cross and “Greater love hath no man than this” (John 15:13) and “as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12 KJV) so you can be part of the greatest family gathering ever!
Wayne Lance (2019)