Currents August 2024

I recently had some experiences that highlighted to me the beauty of family.

We gathered with friends and family from various distances to celebrate the first birthday of my grandson. He did not understand why there were so many people standing around staring at him and smiling and singing and giving him things. He wanted only the safety of his mother’s arms, thank-you-very-much. But it warmed my heart to know that even though he doesn’t yet realize it, the people gathered there in the park that hot day would, for the rest of his life, and the best of their abilities, be there for him, to celebrate, to assist, to advise, to protect, to pray and hope for. We gave him toys and books and clothes all hoping that his life will be full of all wonderful things. Right now, it is. It is full of family.

With flight cancellations, highways closed from fires, and banking delays, I found myself unable to travel home when I had meant to. That turned out to be much less of an inconvenience than it could have been because I had a safe place to stay with family. The stresses of the situation were lessened because of their kindness, and we were able to reconnect and enjoy the time we had together, even if I did have to cancel things and make arrangements for commitments I had to miss at home. There have been many times in my life when I have been able to rely on family for a place to stay in good times and in bad. I have to admit that I am blessed in that aspect. Family vacations growing up were never to hotels, but sleeping on the floor or in a tent with cousins was part of the adventure. I have loved having family come to stay with us as well, and hope that they always feel as welcome as I was made to feel. That is the feeling of family.

Because of the delays, I was able to attend the wedding of a cousin that I had not thought I would. The beautiful venue, the flowers, ribbons, bubbles, and food were all just accessories to aid in the celebration of the creation of a new little family. It was the first day of their new lives together, filled with hope and wonder. No one can know, as they walk down the aisle, what their walk together through life will bring. They’ve been prepared by their parents and their opportunities for growth to that point, but going forward they will rely on each other to shape their future. The friends and family gathered there were all hoping that their marriage will be full of all wonderful things. That day, at least, it was. It was full of family.

Two days after this August Newsletter finds its way to your inbox, I will be celebrating my 24th wedding anniversary. Because we married young, my husband and I have been married longer than we were single. We have had many adventures together, some better than others. We have raised our children and watch with hope as they move out into the world. We have climbed mountains, literally and figuratively, and have found ourselves and our marriage stronger for it. I am thankful for the life we have built together, for the love we share, and for him being my family.

Family is our place of safety, of hope, of memories. We recognize that not all families look or act the same, for a variety of reasons. We hope that everyone has a family where they feel safe, have hope, and build memories, however that family is formed and whatever that family looks like. I hope you will find joy as you read the contributions from our wonderful authors this month. Norma and Elle have both shared from their unique perspectives how the power of music and memories help to bind the generations. Kaylee has written about the importance of holding a space in our hearts for others in their experiences that may be different from what they had hoped and how we can all recognize and support each other. Katrina reflected on how families help each other through work and play and challenges us to consider our families from a different perspective and appreciate how we are growing. Shelli takes us into the wilderness with her to appreciate the beauty and struggles, the peace and belonging that are part of traveling through the wilderness of life.

We would invite you to check out our podcast, Currents: the Big Ocean Women Podcast, wherever you listen, and if you missed these episodes from last year, give them a listen! The Invincible Family & Standing up for the Family as a Basic Unit of Society

What can you do to strengthen your family?

Have you shared or created a positive memory with someone in your family lately?