As a Pastor I see a lot of joy and a lot of sorrow.  I see people who are happy and others who are sad.  I see families who love each other, as well as those who seldom talk to each other.  I see families who enjoy being together and others who cringe at the thought of getting together.

My sister spent the past week at the beach in the Charleston area with her three children and their spouses, her six grandchildren, and my brother’s daughter.  Since Jacqueline and her family live nearby, they also hung out with them – a lot.  Below are a few photographs depicting their time together.

It was a somewhat emotional week for us as Jacqueline received her last chemo infusion Monday.  She delayed having her port removed for the sole purpose of being able to spend time with her cousins and aunt.  She also wanted her kids to have time with all their kids.

I was glad they were there for her this week.  Monieca couldn’t be there – she was in KY helping her aging parents whose health is failing.

People who don’t have good relationships with their extended family miss out on something special.  God gave us family – it is one of his greatest blessings.  Yet too many families struggle to be just that…family.

Having good relationships with extended family takes effort.  It requires patience and forgiveness.  It involves planning and being intentional.  It depends on maturity and compromise.  In other words, it takes the same things that are required to have good relationships with your immediate family.  But it is worth it.

I’m thankful for my family.  That is what I’m celebrating this Fourth of July.

Pastor Steve Hogg