In this crazy time of global upheaval, feeling a little melancholy would not seem inappropriate.

So, I thought I’d share today that I am feeling a little melancholy at the moment which is kind of rare for me…

I’m normally a glass half full kinda gal…Always looking at the positive side of life.

I’ll share with you the reasons why I’m feeling this way shortly but first let us grab a hot cuppa, a treat of deliciousness & get ourselves comfy.

I’m experimenting with a Russian Caravan tea with Earl Grey today! And have a gf coconut jam slice to munch.

We are sitting in my study with Baroque music gently playing in the background.

Family Time

Spending quality time with each family member is something I really look forward & enjoy immensely. I consider it a real privilage to be invited into my daughter’s homes to share in their everyday life.

If you joined me here last week, you will be aware one of the things I shared with you in The Fruit of the Vine, was that my eldest granddaughter recently turned 21.

However, due to CoVid restrictions & border closures I could not join her on her special day.

While this was very disappointing, I had prepared myself this may be the case, as their state premier is staunchly sticking to prolonged border restrictions without exceptions since March.

However, over this past weekend there was also a 21st birthday gathering of family & friends living in their state coming together to celebrate her special milestone.

My youngest daughter’s family of five, hubby & I, as interstate family members, sadly had to miss out! This was emotionally painful!

Not being able to come together as a complete family unit to celebrate a family member’s milestone together was very painful indeed!

Thus the catalyst for feeling a little melancholy at the moment…

Realizations

I have realized during this time of CoVid restrictions that while we all need our own space, have our own lives to live & need time to ourselves for healthy independent living.

I function best when I see my loved ones on regular quality time visits (even if it’s only a 3-4 times per year with those living interstate).

While digital technology has its place it is NOT the same as being together in the flesh!

Being able to have a delightful tea time together, chatting, sharing our lives & touching base with each other, as we did in Tea on the Gold Coast ,is just so healthy for refreshing family relationships.

Families are important

Have you ever wondered why God set up families?

Please note; I do realize that not everyone has positive family relationships, my professional life has been in mediating, counseling & therapy for many toxic relationships. More HERE

However, for this particular reflection we will be focusing upon God’s original purpose & ongoing desire for families.

Did you know that God, is in fact a family unit.

Within the Godhead there is God the Father, God the Son [Jesus Christ] & God the Holy Spirit who are One.

God tells us in His inspired Word, the Bible, that families are not only for the purpose of raising children but also for the wellbeing of its members…

“God places the solitary in families & gives the lonely a home in which to dwell…”

Psalm 68:6

You see people need people! Whether it’s biological, adoptive, fostered, self created or a spiritual family, it should be one that brings blessing, growth & a certain amount of shelter & protection from the outside world for those within the family.

Where we all are accepted, warts & all so to speak but also encouraged to grow into the best version of who we were created to be.

No Perfect Family on Planet Earth

Families are made up of imperfect people trying to navigate an imperfect world. But whom all have the need for a safe place to land, where we’re loved, accepted & respected!

Yes, all families have members who get along famously & members who find it difficult to relate to each other. That’s just family!

Family’s are a mixture of various personalities that we get to learn our relational skills with before navigating relationships in the wider world.

I think the movie My Greek Wedding was a good example of this, where many different characters, personalities & relations were hilariously portrayed. But also demonstrated a deep caring for one another.

The Perfect Dwelling Place

However, knowing that I dwell in the perfect dwelling place where I am dearly loved, totally accepted, very respected & always encouraged to be the very best in who I was created chases the blues way!

This dwelling place is where I am a member of God’s family. Our heavenly Father my creator,  His Son my Savoir & the Holy Spirit my comforter head up the family.

You too can become a member & dwell in this perfect dwelling place, find out more in “I go to prepare a place for you….” .

Until next time,

Jennifer

You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook

Or in Prayer

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