Family connections run deep.
No matter what your family looks like or how dysfunctional they may be, family creates a bond like no other.
Family sees us at our worst and our best: tears of joy and pain. It’s raw, but a good raw.
Family is vulnerability.
They have seen the real us and vice versa, and they stick around regardless of whether they like what they see.
Even if we step away or create a distance, we are drawn back because, well, family is family.
Like many of you, over the years I went to extended family reunions as a child and thought it was fun, but totally missed the meaning. I watched my boys and was surprised that they seem to realize and honor the depth of family at a young age, and valued its importance.
That has me thinking: We all could use a reminder to really invest in this area. It’s easy to put family on the back burner unless, like children, they need us for survival. Family will be there and we know it.
For that very reason, we should make a concentrated effort to invest and honor them every chance we get. Say thank you, show appreciation, lift them up… We do this in the work place and we do it with our friends, but do we tell our favorite uncle that he really means a lot to us? What about telling him that his service to our country brings you so much pride and gratitude? I don’t do this enough.
Let’s pay attention and make some investments in those who are our greatest cheerleaders. Who’s with me?
(Rewind: This is a revamped post from 2017, because it rings true now and always.)
I loved this blog. Family is very important to me as you know. It isn’t just about pout blood relatives…but the friends we consider our family too…like you.?
love this thinking Jan and love you!