I’m with my sister in Texas visiting extended family. I’ve been wracking my brain for what to do for My Tuesday Three because I don’t want to miss a day and mess up my perfect Post-a-Day Challenge record. I finally decided to ask my sister what her three favorite things were about family. She came up with three words that, just like family, all begin with the letter “f.”
Fun
Whether it be playing Farkle at Thanksgiving or spoons (which some of our family calls “forks”) at a family reunion, it is wonderful to have fun with family. You really don’t even have to do much and can be having fun. Just yesterday, my sister and I had fun going on the Austin Duck Tour with our Aunt Norma. It was really hot (like 102°), but we still had a great time. Another option is to watch bats fly out from under the Congress St. Bridge in Austin. What could be more fun than that?
Food
Eating – sharing a meal – is definitely an important part of being with family. The food doesn’t have to be fancy. It could be egg salad or ham sandwiches on a picnic (or just in your aunt’s kitchen) or it could be Texas bar-b-que that you eat too much of. Sometimes food with family can be potluck; other times it could be a fancy holiday meal with all the fixings. In the end, it’s not really the food that matters as much as the company.
Frivolity
There is a certain frivolity and silliness that occurs when family gets together. There is talk of things remembered and new experiences shared; laughter and smiles abound. You don’t have to be serious when hanging out and visiting with family, especially if it’s been a long time since you’ve seen them. There will always be time to be serious – but preferably not until you have to go back to work or school.
I think all of these three things are wonderful and important. The family that can experience fun, food, and frivolity together will remain strong and connected. Even when time and miles separate you, the connection will remain.
Jesus said, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart.” Luke 11:17 (NLT).