FAMILY

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"Tis the season-to be-grateful for your family.
For the gift...for the dynamics and for the Love that comes within the family unit that God uniquely delivered to each one of us. We often take that for granted-and sometimes discover too late--that family is the sole purpose and the only profession that really ever matters.

Sure it can get complicated...different personalities-different desires--dumb disagreements and dirty little lies...But-like it or not--we're in this together...and united we stand, divided we fall.

Having traveled the world -I've discovered every culture has its own unique family codes...expectations and internal language. But that's just the window dressing...Because when you get right down to it--God designed our families- for our eternal benefit...It's where we learn the lessons of Love, compassion, patience, service...and the true value of our fundamental gift, the gift of life.

My favorite role model is the Holy Family. They stuck together through thick and thin...Joseph put aside his pride...Mary-handed over her personal will...and togehter-with their son...they made their little family-the purest model of perfection--of unconditional Love...for all of humanity.

Families are personal legacys...They deserve our undivided attention and our deepest respect...Where there is respect...forgiveness and love grows and spreads...healing our woundedness..inspiring peace in our hearts...peace in our homes...and peace in the rest of our world.

Sometimes it's a challenge...sometimes it makes you want to run for the hills...but most of the time...families are the place and the people who put the Love in your heart and let you know that you matter more than anything else in the world.

So when you think you can't do this or that...or you can't take it anymore...hold on a little longer...because great families are not just born...they're survivors...who believe in one another...who never give up on each other-even when the going gets rough...or the ranting and raving gets loud...or the will gets weak...They never give up.

Because when you get right down to it...as God is our Father, we are brothers and sisters...mothers and fathers in his name...we are Family and we are truly blessed!

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