We just returned to Massachusetts after spending Christmas in Missouri with Megan’s extended family. For Grace there were 2 great-grandparents, 2 grandparents, 2 parents, 1 aunt, 1 uncle, 4 great aunts/uncles, 9 cousins & spouses and 6 other kids. Depending on your background, this may seem like a ton of people or a smallish gathering but for us it was a full crowd. The rooms of the house were filled. As we sat around sharing stories and catching up with each other’s lives, some stood, some crowded on couches, and others took spots on the floor, while the kids ran around. We milled around trying to get one-on-one time with different people, to see how they’ve changed or hear the personal take on the events that had been relayed through the family lines.I don’t want to exaggerate our interconnectedness. In other parts of the world, multiple generations may live in close proximity and know everything about each other. Their sense of family is much tighter and interdependent. They may rely on their extended family both emotionally and finan
cially. We’re an American family that is scattered around the country (sometimes around the world). The small events of our lives pass without the greater family knowing, but we are a family and the big events are felt throughout. We still share in each other’s joys and sorrows. Our connection is in people (like Grammie & Grandad), in a family culture (singing & laughter), in how we look and act (so and so has the same smile, eyes or expression) and in a shared history & experiences (playing by the lake or remembering the full name of great-great grandmother Georgia T Cora L Virginia Birdie Panky Grove). We may only see each other every few years, but we’re still connected. This Christmas we had a good time strengthening that connection with our family.
PRAYERS ANSWERED
The three of us somehow avoided that stomach illness that left most of the family feeling awful. We are thankful that the family all made it to Missouri for Christmas (despite numerous airline setbacks, delays and cancellations). Grace did well and had a wonderful time playing with the other little girls in the family (not to mention the adoring adults).
PRAYERS REQUESTED
We were really in a sharing mood—16 members of the family shared the same stomach bug.
Pray for the family members who are still sick (especially Megan’s grandmother). We are starting to feel the crunch of our limited time in the States. Pray for our time and to-do list.
