understanding family as community, and community as a gift…

Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. – 1 Peter 2:1-3

Having family around is a great recipe for getting very little work done, while at the same time working hard at what is truly important. Having my parents home right next door has afforded us a little extra room to spread out, so Rebekah and I slept at the Maul Annex, while our children and grandchildren took over Maul Hall. Scout, who is not quite so enthusiastic about chaos as she used to be, happily trotted over with us and positioned herself firmly in the camp of the aged.

Wednesday, after a luncheon together, we gathered on the deck for family photographs. Naomi captured some wonderful images a couple of weeks ago, but this time the great-grandparents were on hand, creating a photo-op too priceless for me to pass up.

It was hot, very hot, with partial shade and inconsistent light – but I’m pleased with the results. I set up the tripod ahead of time, Rebekah lined everyone up promptly, and I rattled off the shots as rapidly as possible. All done in ten minutes, without any tears from either the kids or the adults!

RELATIONSHIPS: On occasions like this I am always struck by the fragility of life, and the temporary nature of our journey on this good earth. I am only too aware that people pass away all the time; and – especially when I look at family photographs – there is still a huge hole where my brother Geoff should be. But it’s okay, because the absence of loved-ones who have moved on into eternity also serves to remind me of how important it is that we protect and nurture the relationships we have – that family must be defined by the intentional application of grace, patience, generosity, kindness, gentleness, and goodwill.

And yet so many people trade in the promise of community for the absurdity of proving their point, for judgment, for condemning, for setting straight, for taking a shot, for listening to themselves talk, for blowhardery – for a focus on self that effectively nullifies relationship… and family… and love… and community – the very reason that God created us in the first place.

Of course, being a philosopher, a thinker, a writer, I probably over-analyze everything! So instead I will take a step back, enjoy the photographs, and thank God that our house was so lovingly overrun this week.