I often think of the next several weeks as good times for family. During those weeks, we have several opportunities to gather with family, to celebrate with family, and to remember family.
In May we celebrate Mother’s Day. I always encourage people to remember all the important women in their lives for Mother’s Day. There are so many women who help to raise us: mothers, grandmothers, aunts, godmothers, and others. Therefore, it is important to remember those women in some way and to thank them for all that they have done for us.
In June we celebrate Father’s Day. Again, I always encourage people to remember all the important men in their lives on Father’s Day. We have many men who help to raise us also: fathers, grandfathers, uncles, godfathers, and others. It is important to remember those men in some way and to thank them in some way for all that they have done for us.
In between those two holidays is Memorial Day. While Memorial Day is not specifically for family events, it is a day meant to remember and to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Some of us do have family members who died in service. Even if we don’t, Memorial Day is also a time to go the cemeteries to place flowers at the graves of our family members who have died, to honor and remember them.
Family is important. Whoever they are and whatever family looks like for us, family is crucial in our lives. They provide a foundation of love, support, and belonging. They instill values, offer guidance, and help us navigate life’s challenges. Strong family bonds foster a sense of purpose and identity, contributing to our overall happiness and self-esteem. Even when family members tease us and drive us crazy, we appreciate them and need them.
Beyond the specific holidays I have already mentioned, I think the summer months in general bring us more opportunities to get together with family. The warmer weather allows us to gather outside or to go camping together or to simply go for a walk together. We can cook out, picnic, and tailgate together. These are opportunities to make memories and to support one another.
As the weather (hopefully) turns warmer, we have a lot to look forward to. Enjoy those chances!
Pastor Beth
