Family Ties

Did you ever stop to think about family? My sister sent me an e-card today. She does this often but this one hit home. The card said, "We don't have to live under the same roof to love each other just as much as always..." It went on to say, "I miss you and love you very much." Yesterday I was able to spend some time with my sister. It doesn't happen often but when it does, I love it. She is one of those people I can just cuddle up to and watch tv with or in the same hour duel in a vicious game of uno. As I saw this e-card, I thought back to all the other cards she has sent me and all the text messages she sends me. I thought to myself that these times don't happen often enough. I spoke with a friend of mine tonight about priorities in relationships. This particular friend is family to me. She is a sister in Christ that I value and love so much, yet our relationship isn't nearly what I desire it to be. What I have learned in life is that family doesn't end with mom, dad and siblings. Our closest friends become our family. Family are people who love and care about you, people who will fight for you, people who have your back when you're not around or when you can't perform. Yet why do we allow ourselves to get so wrapped up in what we do that family gets pushed to the side? I am so guilty of this. Do you remember the show Family Ties? Maybe you're too young but it was a great show back in the day. In the show, family came first. Why doesn't it now? We live in such a hectic society and allow ourselves to get wrapped up in all that hectic-ness. I am convicted of the verse that says, "Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind in Christ Jesus." My family deserves better. If you read this Nikki... I love you too sweetie! As for my friend... If you read this, thank you for opening up my eyes. Until next time, I love you all!