Summer 2021
A happy family is
but an earlier heaven.
–George Bernard Shaw
We’ve been enjoying an earlier heaven this week as our three children, their spouses, and three grandchildren have gathered. (Steve’s sister and brother-in-law joined us for a day also.)
Because such occasions happen only now and then, I totally agree with Kathleen McGowan, who wrote:
The only thing sweeter than union
is reunion.
–Kathleen McGowan
Indeed, we treasure these times of togetherness, just as Wanda Hope Carter advocates:
Family and friends are hidden treasures.
Seek them and enjoy their riches.
–Wanda Hope Carter
A Spanish-American philosopher came close to describing why we find treasure in familial relationships:
The family is one of
nature’s masterpieces.
–George Santayana
I’d amend his statement to: “The family is one of God’s masterpieces.” After all, family is God’s idea, established at the beginning of time (Genesis 1:28).
Author Dillon Burroughs adds this viewpoint:
When we think of our family,
our spouse, parents, or children,
let us see them as a gift from God.
–Dillon Burroughs
Indeed! I am supremely grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving us the gift of a family that loves, supports, and takes joy in one another.
They make my soul blossom.
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy;
They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
–Marcel Proust
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Beautiful post! I am so glad you enjoyed these family moments!
Thank you Linda. We did indeed create more delightful memories. Our younger son and daughter-in-law are still with us–it’s nice that we haven’t had to say good-bye to everyone at once! Happy New Year to you and your family!
Wonderful post, great truths about family.
Thank you, Gary. Happy New Year to you and yours!
Truer words could not be spoken when it comes to family, Nancy. I so missed being with my grands over the holidays, but at least we could FaceTime and share some of our Christmas joys. Family is, indeed, God’s masterpiece!
Blessings!
FaceTime is a wonderful advantage we enjoy these days, but still can’t replace face-to-face and HUGS! I’m sorry you couldn’t be together with your “masterpiece” family for Christmas. May the New Year bring more opportunities for togetherness, Martha!
Everyone in your family picture glows behind a beautiful smile. Even the dogs look happy! The quotes you shared are wonderful, and I especially like the edited version of Santayana’s quote. Thank you for extoling how magnificent a family can be. 🙂
We DO smile and laugh a lot when we’re together. And yes, even the dog-cousins get along well! So glad you enjoyed the quotes, Nancy. A Blessed New Year to you and yours!
What a sight! You have a beautiful extended family, Nancy. God Bless!
Thank you, David. God has indeed blessed us with a family we not only love, but LIKE as well!
Love this post and you have a lovely family. A blessing indeed.
Thank you, Manu, and I couldn’t agree more–this clan is a lovely bunch! (Though I must admit to being a tad subjective!)
Nancy, the family is truly a masterpiece of God. That’s probably why it’s a major target of the enemy of our souls.
Good point, Annie–something all of us need to be wary of! Many would like to ignore the fact that strong families make for a strong society.
I love seeing your beautiful family and I agree with all the great quotes you shared. Family is a precious treasure indeed. I’m so happy that all of you were able to be together for Christmas. What a joy! Happy New Year full of blessings, Nancy.
Thank you Patty–we’ve enjoyed a memorable week together! Still blessed with the company of our younger son and his wife for a couple more days. May you and yours also enjoy a very Happy New Year!
Family is a beautiful gift from God. Nancy, your family is beautiful! Happy New Year!
Thank you Pam, and a Happy New Year to you and yours also!
The picture! What a treasure!
TT
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So rarely do we get everyone in the same photo, this one is indeed a treasure. The photographer even suggested we include the dogs! I’m so glad she did.
Great family picture! The love of family makes a difference. ❤️💛
You are so right Dawn. To have the love, support, and encouragement of family provides a huge boost to a person’s sense of well-being.
I agree that family times together and memories are treasures, blessings, and gifts from God. The flip side is those individuals who have division and hurt in their families. It is a constant pain and the pain is increased during the holidays. The kind of family you describe is what God intended. The other is present because we live in a fallen world. I pray today for all families, but especially those who live in discord.
Amen, Linda, to your prayers for all families, especially those who live in discord. Such a painful reality for some. With you I pray God turn hearts of stone into hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26), responsive to his transforming power!
Great quotes and good reminders to savor these family times. Happy new year, Nancy!
Thank you, Jean, and Happy New Year to you also!
What a beautiful family you have, Nancy. Thank be to God!
Thank you, Dave. I am abundantly grateful for this group of people I get to call family!
Happy new year, dear Nancy. Yes, yes, you are one of those ‘charming gardeners’ in my life. Thank you for always turning my eyes toward Jesus and for your faithful presence in my life. Let’s see what God will do in and through us in the months ahead. I’m so grateful for you.
ox
Oh, Linda, thank you for your kind words. I’m grateful for you also. Your blog posts always include godly wisdom and/or Yankee common sense! Agreed–let’s watch and pray to see what God might do in 2024!
Beautiful!! What a gift God does indeed give us through family. Especially when we’re able to experience unity with one another.
Amen, Alicia, and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Oh I really liked George Santayana’s quote your amended version and your closing statement, “They make my soul blossom”. My family makes my soul blossom as well. Of my siblings, my older brother and I are the only ones who live out of town so we try to coordinate our visits. We fill our childhood home with 4 Labradors, 1 cat, 2 teenage grandkids, 2 young adult grandkids and our spouses. My younger brother lives nearby and joins in the fun with his 3 teens and wife. A full house indeed. When we all depart my mom says the house seems so quiet and empty and Dad says he misses the laughter as well as the dogs who adoringly follow him everywhere. Enjoy your family time and Happy New Year.
Your reunions sound like ours–chaotically wonderful, what with the noise and laughter. Our house isn’t empty yet–our younger son and his wife have stayed a couple of extra days. They’re letting us down gradually, back into quiet and emptiness! Happy New Year to you and yours also, Beth!
So true. May God bless you and yours in the New Year, Nancy. ❤
Thank you, Anna. I pray the same for you!
Awesome!
Indeed–we’ve enjoyed an awesome time, Carolyn. Your daughter contributed much to our laughter–as always!
Great post! I always refer to my great and great-great nieces and nephews as my ‘treasures’. I love the picture!!! Have a Blessed 2024!
You do have a treasure-trove of delightful youngsters in your family, Cheri! Happy New Year to you all!