Today has been a beautiful day in so many ways. I sat on the porch this morning and ate my bagel and watermelon and watched the cardinals and purple finches and chickadees. Gave up on Mr. Downy Woodpecker but he finally showed up, perching upside down on the suet feeder, still needing a bath. Oldest brother dropped by for a porch swing visit and tomato plants’ inspection. I have the prettiest vegetable plants I’ve ever had, dark green leaves, bright yellow and sunshine orange blooms. I’ve picked squash twice.

I think I’ve used this quote before but it just fits perfectly with today. “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy. They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom,” Marcel Proust. Today my three brothers and I and all our children and grandchildren gathered at baby brother’s house for our annual McMurray Fam Jam. We have the best time. We all laughed and joked reminiscing about our childhood. Our newest member of the family, Hattie Lane, a beautiful baby girl, two months old, lovingly welcomed into our family, was passed around in the family’s laps. We’ve been gathering together on the last weekend in May for nine years. All the children frolicked in the pool, fished in the pond, played some badminton games, and ran around with the happiness of being out of school for the summer. I’m grateful and thankful to God for blessing our family with all these happy healthy children.

Usually it’s hot as the hinges of hell’s gate at the Fam Jam dinner but today the weather was pleasant and comfortable, a beautiful day today for giving thanks for our family and for celebrating our family’s love with a meal together. The Bible encourages gathering together for a meal. 1 Corinthians 11:33 reads, “So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together.” Youngest brother said the blessing, thanking those in the armed forces for their sacrifices for our freedom. We had barbecue with all the trimmings and delicious desserts and homemade ice cream. I am blessed with family and I’m grateful for them. I love them dearly.

“Family is the most important thing in the world.” — Princess Diana

Family is so important, whether it’s large or small, the love we have for each other is a special gift from God. We choose to be a family, doesn’t have to be genetics. We need to nurture our families and encourage our children to pass on our traditions. “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him,” Psalm 127:3. Family dinners bring family together, nurture cousin friendships, help keep the family bond strong. Sharing meals together creates lasting memories and gives us a sense of togetherness and belonging.

Family is such a wonderful part of life. I agree with what Thomas Jefferson said, “The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.” My most cherished memories revolve around holiday and special occasion dinners with my loved ones. The anticipation of seeing cousins from out of town thrilled me as a child. My grandchildren feel the same way. They are forming life long friendships that will keep our family traditions continuing for another generation.

A family provides a safe place for children to experience God’s love and teaches them how to love other people. Proverbs 22:6 tells us to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Jesus was born into a family and the family unit is precious to God. Love and devotion to each other makes us a family. “Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasional falter,” Brad Henry. This life we live is tough sometimes and we need our families to lean on, to support us during sadness and join with us during celebrations. I felt the love and support of my family deeply during the death of my daughter and the death of my husband. Our families are our pillars of strength. They rally around us in the stormy parts of our lives and help us find the sunshine. They teach us how to love each other, teach us how to respect each other, and teach us how to care for each other. They remind us of the importance of continuing our family’s traditions. Families also give us the gift of laughter. And we had much laughter today!

“Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present and future.” — Gail Buckley