La Familia

Happy Monday!

I hope your weekend was pleasant! For many, school has started, and life is beginning to get back into a functional rhythm. With all that we face in our world today, let me encourage you to schedule time for yourself. We cannot be entirely authentic or hold space for others if we don’t take time to refresh and replenish our personal reserves.

I spent some much-needed time with my daughters this weekend. If you know me, you know that they constantly amaze me. I’m sure I talk about them too much. (They’d probably be mortified if they know how much!) I can’t help it, though, because they’re insightful and unafraid. They’re mi familia!

There are many lovely thoughts about family. The way they love and support one another. The fact that they’ll always be there for us. The way bonds form that outlast time and other relationships. The way they satisfy our need for connection, even when they’re miles away. In most cases, these sentiments refer to our families of origin, La Familia

I’m not sure why unhealthy familial relationships happen. (I’ll add that to the list of things I want to talk with Father God about when I get there someday.) But, I do know that if we’re open to it, we will encounter people in our lives that become closer than family. These are the sweet friends who want us to be in their lives. They choose us and accept us, even with all of our warts and blemishes.

You know them, the ones who will stay up with us all night to work through a problem or sing off-key just to make us laugh. These are the people who are committed to doing life with us and love us, even when we’re feeling unlovable. They are the blessings that we didn’t expect but for which we are eternally grateful.

Here are some thoughts that sum it up for me:

Whether family for us is represented by a shared bloodline or shared interests, as Elizabeth Gilbert noted, “We must take care of our families wherever we find them.” The question remains, who’s our family. We may have a uniquely cohesive family system, which is a blessing. Maybe our family is a group of long-time friends. Perhaps there’s a common interest or an ideal that unites us as a family, or perhaps it’s a group of colleagues or coworkers. And, don’t forget about small groups, egroups, or watch parties formed with the inspiration and support of our churches. We all need connection, and the best way to do that is to be vulnerable in a safe environment.

La Familia may mean different things to different people, but we all need them! No matter what they look like, family can mean connection, safety, and a chance to be honest and transparent. We get to choose the who and the why of it. The beauty lies in our ability to support and be supported in the best and worst of times. To mi familia, and you know who you are, you mean more to me than I have words to express!

This week, let’s celebrate various family configurations and pray for grace and mercy to go before, behind, and surround them!  

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda