The House
Read: Psalm 127
Growing up I only knew two Aunts and one Uncle (and of course their spouses) on my Mother's side. On my Dad's side it was very different. His was a family of 12: 4 boys and 8 girls. Every one lived in the area and kept in close contact.
On Christmas day it was always go to church and then to Uncle Art's. For a week or so after Christmas you never knew in advance when a family member would drop by for a quick visit. Some were "better" at it than others, probably taking advantage of "hospitality" as well as fellowship. The unofficial end of the visits was New Year's Day. The family party was at "the house," the old family dwelling which was sold after the last two sisters were married and moved out. It was a crowded, noisy, and fun filled event where our favorite uncle (Jerome) managed to get several of the young cousins crying.
Comparing the closeness of a large family back then to today's spread-all-over families means we need to look outside our families. The best example I have of this is our church family. Hardly an issue of Pointers goes by without an expression of thanks and gratitude to the congregation from a member who experienced difficulty of some sort. We all know how comforting it is to be a member of this family.
Jack Van Becelaere
Read: Psalm 127
Growing up I only knew two Aunts and one Uncle (and of course their spouses) on my Mother's side. On my Dad's side it was very different. His was a family of 12: 4 boys and 8 girls. Every one lived in the area and kept in close contact.
On Christmas day it was always go to church and then to Uncle Art's. For a week or so after Christmas you never knew in advance when a family member would drop by for a quick visit. Some were "better" at it than others, probably taking advantage of "hospitality" as well as fellowship. The unofficial end of the visits was New Year's Day. The family party was at "the house," the old family dwelling which was sold after the last two sisters were married and moved out. It was a crowded, noisy, and fun filled event where our favorite uncle (Jerome) managed to get several of the young cousins crying.
Comparing the closeness of a large family back then to today's spread-all-over families means we need to look outside our families. The best example I have of this is our church family. Hardly an issue of Pointers goes by without an expression of thanks and gratitude to the congregation from a member who experienced difficulty of some sort. We all know how comforting it is to be a member of this family.
Jack Van Becelaere
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