Day 56, February 25

Lately I've been thinking about families. As many definitions of family abound as there are different types of families. There is the nuclear family, of parents and one or more children. There is the multi-generational family, a la Waltons. There is family as described in the Bible, where somebody is always begatting somebody else.

Just like people, families come in all shapes and sizes. Around the corner from us is the family of two parents and seven young chidlren. Across the street is a family just starting out with a newborn baby. Single individuals comprise their own families, as do empty-nesters.

Families are born of the blood, as defined in the Bible. They are also born of the heart. In our family of five children, our younger daughter is adopted. She is our daughter of the heart. My oldest son has two adopted boys. All are loved; all are wanted; all are family.

Let me share with you some other families:

For nearly thirty years, my husband and I have belonged to a dinner club composed of six couples. Every month, we meet at different homes, every couple contributing part of the dinner. We have seen each other through the birth of children and the birth of grandchildren. We have grieved with each other over the loss of parents. We had borne each other's burdens as we experience heartaches over children, suffered financial setbacks, endured health problems. We rejoice with each other; we weep with each other. We are family.

Another family is that of our church. We worship together. We learn together. We tithe together. One person's problems become of that of the congregation. Meals are brought at the birth of a baby ... and the death of one. Casseroles and love are served up in equal measure. We are family.

Yet another family is that of neighborhood. Our neighbors have watched our children grow, from rollerskates to Mustangs, from playdates to prom dates. We share garden produce and snowblowers. We bring in each other's mail and water lawns. We watch out for children and pets. We are family.

Yes, family is a matter of blood. More, though, family is a matter of the heart and of the spirit. The only ingredient necessary is love.

So, for today, I am grateful for families, wherever they are found.