The busyness of life has a way of creeping in and distracting us from what truly matters. From early childhood, we form some of our strongest and most beautiful bonds with our siblings, cousins, and extended family. Those formative years are filled with laughter, play, and precious memories, time spent with the people who mean the most to us.
But as we grow older, life speeds up. Responsibilities increase, people move away, and slowly, we begin to drift. Gatherings become less frequent, holidays together start to fade, and before we realize it, days turn into months, and months into years. Suddenly, it has been far too long since we have seen the people we once did life with so closely.
This past weekend, I had the joy of hosting brunch with my cousins and their families. Being the oldest of the cousins, it was especially meaningful to see everyone again, the ones I grew up with, the ones I babysat, changed diapers for, and played Nintendo with, yes Mario Brothers and Duck Hunt. Sitting together, sharing a meal, meeting their children, and reconnecting felt so special. It brought a warmth to my heart and reminded me of the days when my mother hosted our entire family, it felt like home again.
Now, some are young adults, some are teenagers, and others are starting families of their own, with even a baby on the way. What a blessing it was to witness this beautiful season of growth. To laugh together, reminisce, and simply be present with one another was such a gift. As I looked around, I felt so proud of each and every one of them, seeing how far they have come and the ways they are growing and thriving in their lives.
There is something so powerful about being able to share both the joys and the burdens of life without fear or judgment. To pray together, to support one another, and to see the unique gifts in each person, it fills my heart in a way that words can hardly express.
So take a moment to pause, to breathe, and to reflect on what truly matters. Not to let life pass by in a blur of busyness and distractions, but to intentionally value the relationships He has placed in our lives. Unity is such a unique and beautiful gift. We are not randomly placed into families by accident. The Lord, in His perfect wisdom, formed each of us in our mother’s womb and intentionally placed us within our families, siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles, all with purpose.
But let’s be honest, we are not perfect. We are human. We fail, we make mistakes, we say things we shouldn’t, and sometimes we hurt one another. Yet, even in our imperfections, we are given a choice. We can choose to love. We can choose grace, forgiveness, and patience. Real unity is not built on perfection, it is built on choosing each other again and again, even after disappointment.
Maybe your story looks different. Maybe you did not grow up in a family that felt safe or accepting. Maybe there is distance, brokenness, or even absence where family should have been. There may be boundaries that need to stay in place for serious or complicated reasons, and that is understandable. If that is you, know this, God is not limited by what you did or did not have. He is able to place people in your life who become family. He brings community that restores, relationships that heal, and connections that remind you that you are seen, known, and loved.
Family is not only what we are born into, it is also what God lovingly builds around us.
So let me ask you, when was the last time you gathered with your family? Has it been years? Have small disagreements, misunderstandings, or old wounds created distance where there once was closeness?
As I wrap up this month’s topic on Community. I challenge you, do not let those things stand in the way any longer. Life is too short….
Love one another. Forgive one another. Reconcile where you can. Rebuild and cherish the beautiful bonds that were once so strong. Make the call. Send the text. Reach out to that sibling, cousin, aunt or even if it is your mom or dad that you have been meaning to reconnect with.
Our heavenly Father desires unity, love, and restoration among His people.
“Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.” -Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NKJV)
