Family

How the heck do you do it without family?


 I love this photo, Grandpa Steve giving batting tips before the game. Tallin is drinking in the wisdom. We love grandparents. We need them. We need family.


I was talking to my brother tonight about family and how we just do things to help family because that is just what you do. We are put on this earth as family units for a purpose. We are not sent here alone to conquer life by ourselves. We are here to learn and to grown and to lift each other up. Sometimes we need more help than other times and sometimes we are the ones who are doing the helping. In any case, we need to be available and willing when the call comes. It teaches us unselfishness which is the most important virtue of them all. 


Our "family" should reach beyond our immediate and extended circle. The people I admire most on this planet are the ones who are always there in times of need with a shovel or rag to clean or just a warm body ready to get the job done. They are the ones who take the time to listen and to make the load a little lighter. 


The big challenge is to teach our children this principle. We naturally come to this earth a little selfish. Babies can only think about their own needs and as they grow, we have to slowly let them know that the world does not revolve around them.


How do we do this? 


Examples are of utmost importance. If they see us complain about serving or talking ill about family or not even serving to begin with, they are less likely to follow the path of unselfishness. They must have opportunities to serve and to look beyond themselves. This means getting up early with them to go clean someone's yard or to let them help make dinner for a family in need. It means teaching them to notice others feelings by bringing cookies or writing letters to a friend that may be having a hard day or has hurt feelings. Starting off with little acts of service will give them a greater desire to lead a life of service. 


I am so thankful for family and friends who have served me and are constant examples in my life. I have been so richly blessed. I am who I am because of them. I know that if times were hard, I would have so many to come to my rescue. What a comforting feeling that is. I want to be that kind of person that will be on the doorstep of someone in need. I would want to be remembered when I leave this world as a woman who would do anything for anyone. I have lots of work to do to get to that point but I hope I have some time to get there. It is so very easy to be selfish but such a lonely place to be.


Thanks to all who inspire me and serve me! Thank you my wonderful family! My wonderful friends!