FAMILIES

We watched some of the winter Olympics again this year. So much of the athlete’s life, it turns out, is a family affair. Parents were not only in the stands, they had been a crucial part of their son’s or daughter’s planning and training. It almost has to be that way to reach that level of competition.

I was reminded of David’s coming to see his brothers when he met Goliath. In those days, the Bible says, the family provided army provisions to the soldiers. They also maintaining contact and brought the family news and returning with news from the front.

Families now keep in contact by cell phone. It’s an annoyance to have everyone not involved in conversation, hearing only half of the conversation. It’s like being forced to read the right side of a newspaper column. Noise pollution.

But every once in a while you hear the “I love you, Goodbyes,” and I’m reminded that there are families staying touch, families loving and supporting – families being families. Families are a gift from God and I thank God for mine.
“And Jesse said to David his son, ‘Take for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers; also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See how your brothers fare, and bring some token from them.’” 1Samuel17:17-18