family

You know how it feels to come home at Christmas? To familiar smells and sounds? To a warmth that can only be described like a big hug? In from the cold to a crackling fireplace and hot chocolate, a downy quilt and homebaked cookies. I realized that is what growing up surrounded by truth has been like. Something I have often taken for granted, but am appreciating anew these precious days. I have this privilege of a family beyond earthly ties. Those I worship with are as close to me, and share something more important with me than even those to whom I am bonded by blood. I have been raised with the security of stable homes and unwavering values and uncompromised beliefs. I have known all my life the feeling of peace in a meeting or at convention. The support in deep moments of grief and the shared tears of joy amongst God's people, for God's people. I understand the pang of loneliness there must be for those, like my mom, who can't even share these gifts with their own blood relatives. I'm so grateful to have been raised without having to experience that sorrow, and am resolved to ensure my own children will know the same depth of fellowship that I have been blessed with.