Families come in many sizes…

Though my heart is still heavy from the loss of my sister, at the same time it is hard not to see the blessings my life is filled with daily. I have written more than one blog in regards to my move from Washington to Colorado. Though I miss my family, I have been blessed with a wonderful life here and with Dan…far exceeding my expectations. When you love someone as much as I love Dan, you don’t care where that love takes you as long as you are together…we are now one, a family within its own rights. But as much as I love him, leaving family was difficult.

That being said, over the past couple years I’ve met and made friends with some great people. And today I want to express my gratitude to a particular group…my church family. God leads us in directions we don’t always understand or agree with but it’s His direction and we follow that lead…or at least try to.

I have a big family – covering parts of the Pacific Northwest, Canada, my son and daughter-in-law in Reno, and my extended family through Dan farther to the east of us. Over the last two years I have gained another family, a family that also loves me and protects my heart with their love through Jesus. I am so grateful for all of them. I have never had a church family as warm and caring as they are and I am thankful everyday.

Trials in life keep me wondering what it’s all about sometimes, so I turn to my bible, friends, family, but most importantly to God. I am emotionally tapped right now and it would have been easy to sleep in and let rest wash over me, but I didn’t – I needed to be with my church family and feel their comfort and love surround me. It isn’t a matter of words, though comforting as they might be, there is little to be said in times of sorrow…no it was the hugs…the sincerity in which they are given that I felt today. So, I want to thank them all…for who they are through God and as my family. I am blessed.

Now I can say I have a huge family…bigger than most and as wonderful as ever. Thank you God, for I know through them you are wrapping your arms around me with your love.