My Grandmother's parents immigrated to the United States from Macedonia many years ago. Macedonia is just north of Greece.
To celebrate our family and its heritage, my Grandma's sisters and sisters-in-law organize an annual Greek reunion in August. Along with the typical American fare, we always have a variety of Greek food. Baklava and quiche are at the top of the list. This year, I tried everything and was pleasantly surprised. Though the piece of quiche with the quarter baked in alluded me, I found the food delicious.
As we ate, fellowshipped, and played a little Funny Money (an auction of items from our homes that we bid on with our $250 fake bills), I was reminded that family is important. Our heritage is important. Where we come from is important.
We may not have had the option to choose our family, where we were born, our parents or how many siblings we have or didn't have or still have. But they have been given to us for a reason, and some for only a season. To be loved and to be loved by.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Pray about the big stuff. And in the end....love. Love. Forgive. And love some more. And then forgive again.......
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But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers (and sisters) loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers (and sisters), stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.
