Family???

We often take for granted that holidays are a time for family but what about those who don't have family or those whose family is dysfunctional. Unfortunately, I am reminded of this reality all too often.

This week one young lady described her family as "chaos." She had moved out as soon as she turned 18 just to get away from the mess. 

This week a young man told me that he preferred staying at his friend's house over his own. 

This week another young lady has been researching her options for emancipation.

This week another young lady told me she hoped never to see her mother again.

This summer another young lady was in a panic over the thought of a family vacation.

For many of the youth I work with their family tree is more like a family web. For many, they've never known a real family. For many, their friends have become their family. 

When friends become your "family" it changes everything. Celebrations become sad events--graduation means leaving your "family". Things you might look forward to become the things you dread--going on a family vacations means being separated from your "family". Difficult things become traumatic events--changing schools means losing your "family".

It's easy to feel weighed down by my job at times. It's difficult to take for granted the blessing my family is.

Just friendly reminder not to take your family (whatever it may look like) for granted. Go home kiss your wife, hug your kids, call your mom or dad.