Clay in the Hands

Yesterday I mentioned my boys and today I am still thinking about the importance of family.  I realize that not all families are strong and healthy, but I was reminded last week of the importance of close family relationships.

I had the privilege of being in the right place at the right time.  I struggle to call it that because it seems wrong to think of it in that way, but reflecting back on it, I can’t think of a better way to describe it.

Billy had been suffering for a while.  When I got to his room last Thursday, I knew he would not be with us much longer.  So I stayed with the family.  About 4:30 or so he took his  last breath.  I don’t know if you have ever been in that situation but it does not matter if you think you are prepared or not, it is never easy.

But my point is this.  I had the privilege of being there in that moment and watching that family rally around that patriarch and lean on one another.  It truly was a beautiful picture of a family in action.  There was sincere sadness but there was also a strength present in their midst.

Thank you Patsy, Steva, Vicki and Randy for reminding me how important it is to be part of a family.  God created the idea of family and you truly lived out an element of what God intended last week.  I know God was and is pleased.

For the rest of us: pray for your family today and then pick up the phone and call them and tell them you love them.