Welcome my friend! I’m so glad you could join me, grab a cuppa & get comfy. Today, I thought we would reflect upon the saying;

‘You can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends.’

A thought struck me recently…

Sitting at the differing tables of family members recently the following thought came to me;

 ‘How grateful I am for those God has given to me that are my family.’

For they all bring blessings into my life in different ways. Oh, we have our ups, downs & everything in between just like most families.

But at the end of the day we have love & respect for each other & that is truly precious!

Are all Family Relationships a Blessing?

Now I know that not all family relationships are a blessing, in fact some can be quite toxic. I’ve counseled many families who were imploding from toxic familial relationships.

This happens because families are made up of individuals who make their own choices in life. Some choose wisely while others make unwise decisions for their life which may have a devastating impact upon the family as a whole.

Then there are those members who hold onto unforgiveness which sadly morphs into bitterness. And bitterness once sprouted will send it’s tendrils out in all directions, sadly tainting many relationships within the family causing ‘sides’. Often leaving a legacy of brokenness that may never be reconciled.

What does God say about family?

‘God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell…’

Psalm 68:6

 

That brings us to the saying;

‘You can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends.’

It’s an interesting saying, often said by those who are frustrated or having a hard time with their family. It means that they enjoy time with friends, whom they’ve chosen, rather then time with their family.

And I know family can mean different things to different people.

But did you know that you can actually choose your family!

I unashamedly chose my family, my Spiritual family! My spiritual journey started in Penang, Pearl of the Orient.

When I made the choice to follow Jesus as my Lord & Saviour, I became a part of a huge family network that reaches around the globe.  And in this family we have many, many cultures coming together as One.

The love & hospitality shown to me by my brother’s & sisters in Christ, around the world, has been so touching, one example is shared in the Leprosy community in Thailand

Scripture reveals just how big our future family celebration will be;

“After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb [Jesus]...

And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”

Rev 7:9-10, NLT

Would you like to choose this wonderful family too? Then read Here my friend.

Until next time,

Jennifer

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

Or 

in Prayer

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