Family RULES!!

Family RULES!! There are many things that we can change. We can change our hair length and color (let me tell you something about that - haha!). We can change our clothes, our eating and sleeping habits, etc. One thing we can't change is our family. We are born into one and that is the way that it is. Maybe that is why it is so easy to take them for granted. I have been terribly guilty of doing that.
Let me give you an example. For many years, really until last year, I took the Crawford Family Reunion for granted. It was a time we all got together, ate, talked and then went home. I loved everybody there but it was really almost about putting time in before I went and did what I wanted to do. It sounds bad but it is true.
Last year, that perspective began to change. I began to realize that my family is a valuable treasure given to me by God. I must not take for granted the times that we have to share together because who knows if I will ever get the chance to see them again. You miss so much through apathy.
This year, I was totally blown away... I was given the opportunity, privilege and honor of preaching the Sunday morning sermon. This has been the territory of my dear Uncle Roy, who has been a pastor for some 55 years. In other words, he knows what he is doing. I was approached about two months ago to take over - wow! For me, preaching in front of my family would be the litmus test of my calling and abilities. In other words, the thought of preaching in front of my family scared me, exhilarated me and overwhelmed me.
I am telling you, I really didn't sleep well for the two weeks before the big day. My other class work was completed early so I could focus on sermon preparation and much prayer. I wrote it, read it, delivered it and prayed over it to the point that I pretty much drove my wife nuts! (She is used to that type of behavior - thank you, God!!)
When the reunion came this past weekend, I felt somewhat nervous and apprehensive about the whole situation. Then something changed. Saturday evening we all got together as a family. We met at my old church and had a fabulous time. I had the chance to go into the big sanctuary, by myself, in order to preach to exactly no one. I should back up a second... Everytime that I visualize myself preaching, it has always been at this church. I don't know why, but that is how it has been. To actually get to do what I have dreamt about for years was a thrill that is every bit as exciting as anything else I have ever experienced! Needless to say, that time alone relaxed me and convinced me that God was going to help me through this.
Sunday morning came and as I was sitting in church, I noticed my voice was a bit hoarse. I don't know why but it was. I really couldn't sing anything. It was kind of funny. Anyway, I began to get nervous as the moment arrived. I was called to come forward to preach and there I was! In the spotlight, in front of most of the people that I had known all of my life. It was go time! That feeling of fear slammed against me. For one second, I thought about sitting right back down. Then, a wonderful thing happened. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in a way that I never have before. I felt the love and support of my family as never before. I began to not only WANT to preach but I felt that I HAD to preach. It was like a burning sensation.
As the sermon progressed, I began to really enjoy myself. I was able to make eye contact with my uncles, my parents, my cousins and Grandpa. I was moved to the point of tears at one point and almost lost my composure. But at that point, I felt the calm reassurance that my calling was sure and I was right where I needed to be. For one of the few times in my life, I knew EXACTLY that in that moment, I was at the BEST place and BEST time in the WORLD!! I was supposed to preach in order to bless them, but something really awesome happened. Instead of blessing them solely, I was blessed. I was ministered to in an unimaginable way!
Afterwards, the outpouring of love, affection, affirmation and support from each and every family member was overwhelming. They really showed me their hearts and love. It was a time I will never forget. The day is one of the best days of my entire life. The rest of my life will never be the same.
Take my advice; NEVER take your precious family for granted. If that makes me sound like a wimp or a geezer, so what! Family is an irreplaceable blessing that should never be looked at with disdain. Don't cheat yourself! Get in contact with some family today. Pray for them and show your love for them regularly! You won't be sorry that you did.