"But you don't have an Aunt Linda," you might say, and you would be right. She is not related to us in the least. She is my sister's sister-in-law or my brother-in-law's sister -- either way, she's unrelated to us. Nevertheless, she became Aunt Linda when the boys were little and that's all that matters.
A few years ago, Aunt Linda opened her home to our family as if we were hers and some collection of Forts have gone to Lexington every year on Thanksgiving Eve ever since. We have three or four (or seven) different chiles or soups from which to choose and lots of other yummy goodies as well. We never come away hungry, that's for sure.
This year we had probably 30 people there representing four generations. We had brothers, sisters, spouses, cousins, children, in-laws, grand and great grandparents, grand and great grandchildren, and friends. We were all one big happy conglomeration of humanity -- laughing, reminiscing, dreaming, and celebrating another year with each other.
I think this is the way families are supposed to be -- all sorts of blood relatives and people with absolutely no relationship all rolled up into a big, happy fruit cake.
Where else can we see this kind of organism?
How bout the church?
Those of us who have given our lives to Christ can call ourselves brothers and sisters -- we have the same Father. But inevitably there are those who are not part of the spiritual family who are right there among us. It is up to us to be like an Aunt Linda to them so that they feel 100% welcome -- so they can celebrate without hesitation.
Is your church like this? Are you an Aunt Linda? Are you searching for a church family to call home?
May God bless us all on this Thanksgiving. May we be generous in our love. May we celebrate this year very well. And may the Lord be glorified
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