Family

I’ve been watching the 2006 series *Brothers & Sisters*, starring Sally Field and a host of other well-known actors and actresses. I’m in the final season, and I’ve fallen in and out of love with all the characters and their lives. I’m most connected with Sally Field’s character, Nora. She reminds me a lot of myself. She’s exactly my age now, loves to cook and decorate, and loves her family fiercely. At the same time, she’s always trying to understand herself amidst a flurry of situations and opportunities. She’s not only the mother of her children, she’s someone they can always count on to be there when needed. The dinner table and the dynamic a gathering can bring is one of the main focuses of the series. I’ve made it through all the major holidays with this fictional family, and I have loved and also squirmed with each family dinner scenario.

With the holidays approaching and all the gatherings that will happen, it reminds me how precious family is, despite differences of opinion and the different seasons a person might be in. Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful when life has been less than fair. Sometimes, after all the shopping, cooking, decorating, and wrapping is done, there is little left in the tank to share.

The bottom line is we are not perfect, and despite the overabundance of noise and glitter the holidays can bring, joy, peace, and love are there for the taking. We must quiet our minds, unplug for a while, and take time to be grateful for all the blessings our Lord provides. May your gatherings be a reminder of the importance of family and the memories that are made, whether at the dinner table or across the miles.

Blessings to all! 
Pam