All in the family

You know that crazy old uncle or annoying cousin or boozy aunt that you dread seeing every year at the family reunion? Or your second cousin, twice removed who's always hitting on you and trying to get you to go to a bar with him. Or your loud-mouthed Aunt Edna who never, ever shuts up? And the only thing that helps you make it through that family reunion is the fact that you only have to see them once a year. Thank God, right?  Cause really, there's nothing you can do to get rid of them, since they're your family. Blood's thicker than water and all that stuff, yeah?
  
This last week at camp there was a guy there who just kind of drove me and Julia right up the Crazy Wall. It's one of those situations where cultures collide, even though we're from the same country. Lets just say that we were stressed out simply being in his presence. As we spent our days kind of trying to avoid him and keeping our mouths shut when in his presence, we were, of course, later on discussing some of the things that he said or did. And how, if it was up to us, we would never choose/allow this person to be a part of a short-term team.

And then a thought clubbed me over the head, KA-BAM! "We're part of the same family!" He's just the crazy uncle part of the family. And though he drove me up the wall and back down again, I knew that his heart for the people was genuine and that he truly wanted to see them come to know Christ. Man, I'm glad that Christ died for all of us and doesn't pick and choose who can be a part of His family based on silly things like personalities and refinement. Cause if it was up to me and my selfish human nature, there'd probably be a lot less people in the family of God.

"Thank you, God, that I can be a part of Your family and that Your Son came to die for all of the sinners in the world- not just the ones that I "approve" of. Help me to see Your mercy and grace for me and to show that same mercy and grace to others. Amen"