A few days ago my future mother-in-law emailed me this paragraph from her scripture study. I have read the words over quite a few times now and I find such amazing comfort within them. Right now, I live two and a half hours away from my parents and sister, even farther from both of my brothers, and two hours from my soon-to-be husband. While I have an amazing community in Harrisonburg, I can't help but miss my family. But this paragraph is about our unchanging, heavenly family. No matter where I am, in the presence of my earthly family or not, I can feel my heavenly family's arms around me. As I walked to work this afternoon, the sun was so bright and warm for the first time in a while. I couldn't help but feel the arms of my Father, Brother, and Mother reaching down to hold me. As I journey, I need to remember my family that always was, always is, and always will be.
"We learn from this first lesson that trials are meant for something greater than the angst they cause, and temptations cannot only be met head on but also overcome. Whatever obstacles may come our way, be assured that you have a glorious family support network to meet you in the midst of your challenges and cheer you on: your loving heavenly Father; your older brother, Jesus; the power of the Holy Spirit; Mary; and all your spiritual siblings, the Saints." (Came from the Catholic Scripture Study, Epistle of St. James, Chapter One Introduction)
Beautiful image. What can be even cooler is that here in pa, I was feeling that same warmth. Your earthly family can feel comfort that God and the Holy family are there to watch over you when they aren't physically there.
ReplyDeleteAh! I was totally in a narrow mindset when writing this, but it COMPLETELY connects us all because you can certainly feel that same comfort even though you are far away. So... being closer with our heavenly family more fully unites us to the BODY OF CHRIST here on earth! Woohoo!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Elizabeth, this is beautiful! :)
ReplyDelete