Family Ties

It's been a month since I've seen my family. I talk to at least one of them nearly everyday or so. While moving away from them has been a rather smooth transition, I realized last weekend just how hard it is to be gone.
Last weekend my *favorite brother (*read: only) came up to visit us. We had SO much fun having him come. I loved cooking for him and hubby enjoyed some man-time...doing manly things...involving sharp objects, things that make loud noises, and still more things that produce smoke. It was a great weekend.
After attending church with us on Sunday, bro said it was time to go. I knew he'd have to leave, so we hugged, said our goodbyes, and hubby started walking with him to his truck. Within moments of their walking away, I felt an awful emptiness from somewhere down deep and decided to see if "The Boy" had left yet. Seeing that he was still in the foyer, I sneeked over for another squeeze and saw both of my guys shrug their shoulders in wonder as my eyes welled up with tears.
Pregnancy hormones or not, I was reminded of the unique and deep bond of family relationships. Lord willing, I knew I'd be seeing my brother again, but there was still the ache that sprang up at the thought of being apart. Should it be any different with our brothers and sisters in Christ? The apostle Paul is such a beautiful picture of how it is to "ache" for the family of God. To desire their best. To see, encourage, and spend time with them. To have joy in knowing that they are growing in the Lord. Do our hearts beat like this? Does my own? I hope so. The ache for my immediate, blood-related family gives me an idea of how it can and should be with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

With all of this said, I am OVERJOYED at the opportunity to see not only my parents, but grandparents, uncle/aunt and cousins this weekend! It's been a month since I've seen my folks, and early summer since I've seen the rest of the family! It's going to be so special to be with everyone, and of course, to have some of my favorite people admire de belly.

One wonderful thing about the distance is that I'm not as prone to take my family for granted. They are a gift and I do indeed feel blessed to be part of their lives...even if at times it is from far away. :)