I googled images of “family,” and was amazed that the entire first page was of the traditional family: a man, a woman, and several children, give or take a few. To find what I was looking for—many examples of family—I had to type in “diverse families,” then “cultural families,” and on it went. I would hope to get to the point where the first page shows family as a blend of all of it: traditional, blended, single-parent, extended, adoptive, LGBTQIA+ families, multicultural ones, foster families, virtual families, or some that have no label at all.
Some people have biological families as adults, while others do not. Some have to carve out their own family from neighbors, friends, and various communities. Some find spiritual family that may often meet those needs unmet with the birth family.
Ask yourself, “Who is my family?” Name them…and then ask, “And who else? Who is my extended family?” And on it goes. Naturally, there is a difference in the comfort level of family, friends, and acquaintances. Can we expand who we include?
I have two friends visiting Unity North on Sunday. They are the friends I stayed with in my recent trip to California: Diane and Deb. Diane is my “old high school friend.” We met when we were sixteen, and have been friends ever since, even though there have been periods where we did not see each other for some years. It has never made a difference. We lived together as roommates and supported each other at a crucial time in our growth, and that bond will always remain. Deb is Diane’s wife of 24 years, and so she has become part of my extended family as well. I am thrilled they will be visiting me and our congregation on their way to see Deb’s family in Michigan.
Many of us have spiritual family, especially in Unity. That strong feeling prevails, and one can see it in the loving care and support that Unity friends give each other in time of need. It is a powerful experience to journey together on the spiritual path. Whether it’s during the hard times or the joyful ones, there is always fun and humor to be found. So, look around and open yourself to the possibility of deeper connections. We all need them.
Love & blessings,
Kathy
