Family.

Have you ever felt like family among people you have absolutely no relation to?  I've spent the last 3 days with pastors and representatives from all the churches that belong to the same family of churches I do.  Our conference ended lastnight, and as I drove away to see my actual (blood-related) family, I felt sad.  Don't get me wrong.  I love my family. Anyone who's been around me in the last couple of week knows how excited I've been, especially to see this little wonder:

Yep, that's my niece Natalie, and we love each other very much.  I guess that's what family is all about, right?  So getting back to the conference, one of the highlights is just seeing people that I don't get to see often.  Friends that live far away.  Meeting new friends that live far away.  But what makes me feel and experience that sense of family?  I think it's the idea of being around like-minded people.  We're all on different journeys, in very different geographic regions, but we're all striving to follow God, and discern God's will for our lives, but also God's will for the communities we lead.  There is something so powerful about when that family all comes together.  The fellowship, the challenge, the honesty, and the encouragement are so important to me, and that's where the sense of family comes in for me.  

I had so many people, over the course of 3 days ask me 'how are you doing?'  It's not the 'hey!  How's it goin'?' Rather, it's 'how are you doing?  How is your work at the church going?  How is your soul?'  Intentionally asked questions, begging honest answers because these people care.  They care about me, but they also care about our larger family of churches, and the things that I do, lead and experience are of interest to them because we're in this together!  What a great gift it is to know that I'm not alone on this journey.  I left feeling very cared for, which I think is the most important aspect of family.  They're looking out for me, making sure I'm doing okay, and that I'll be able to continue on this journey until we meet again in 6 months or so.  I have never felt so blessed by, nor excited about being a part of the family of churches called the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada.  It is family for me.

And now, I get to hang out with my real family too.  Bonus!  I sent them all off to church this morning, and I'm having a quiet morning by myself, because let's face it, how often does a pastor get a chance to skip church?  Besides, I've gotten to be a part of 3 amazing services in the last 4 days.  I think I've met my quota.  I hope today is filled with family of some sort or description for you as well.  Blessings, friends.