Be Thankful

It seems everyone can lay claim to “the most dysfunctional family!”  Mine is no different.  But I love the description of one friend’s family, as she in good humor, breaks it down. 

       “It seems Dad was married before he went into the war and they’d had a baby, but somewhere along the way, he met my mom and they had a child and eventually married after dad divorced his first wife.  They had issues all through their marriage and finally divorced.  My dad went “hippie” for a while and had several “relationships” and my mom married one of his brothers, but that marriage didn’t last either; and somewhere along the line my dad and his first wife got back together, but that only lasted a while too.  I’m not sure how my siblings and I turned out alright, but I sure am thankful!” she adds laughing.

Another friend tells the story of being deep within a family of alcoholics. She recalls putting her mother to bed while she was in a total stupor.  She says most of her family is gone now, but will tell you she misses them, despite the abuse that occurred during her young life.  She still has her mom who gave up alcohol after a long struggle and shares a good relationship with her.  For this, she is thankful.

      Obesity is the focal point of a story for another flawed family.  It seemed everyone in the family struggled with weight.  Even the toddlers were heavy.  High fat and carb meals were dominant three times a day.  Food was used for comfort, or when they were sad, happy, tired or celebrating.  Food had become the most important part of their world.  This family experienced sadness, depression and had its own kind of dysfunctionality.  And then one member made a decision. She would stop the cycle-- and through a two- year journey began making wise food decisions.  It changed not only her life, but those of her family.  For this she is thankful.

Disability is the center of a story revolving around another family.  Yet, when I read her story, I was in awe.  She was grateful for her disability, because it changed her perspective!  She believes she is a better person and has a stronger faith because of the ‘suffering’ that comes with having a disability! She is thankful for her disability!

What I find interesting is despite the dysfunctionality of any family, life goes on!  Lives can be depressing, horror filled, diseased, pained from bad decisions and circumstances.  But ultimately decisions can be made that are right and good, giving reason to be thankful.

We also have a church family, which also can (and often is) flawed.  This family binds us together in spiritual beliefs which helps keep us grounded, accountable, and striving to be more like Christ. It is in this place where our faith wraps around us in the form of family all united through God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.  

        Even though we have our biological family, this is family where we often turn to when we are sad and lonely, happy and glad, questioning our steps, wondering what the world holds next and so many other questions directly related to our Biblical beliefs. 

Consider all the 'families' of which you are a part.  There is your biological family, church family, work family, neighborhood, community, sports families, national parties, special interest parties, and so many others.  Can you see the differences and still see the good? This is reason to be thankful!  

        Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!  I hope you are thankful and blessed!

#Thankful  #Thanksgiving  #BlessedAndThankful  #Disability  #Struggles  #BeThankful

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