I seem to feel an obligation to take a family photo, whenever we gather for a holiday.  Do you?  I’m sometimes met with a chorus of groans, along with more enthusiastic agreement from others.  Then there’s the ritual of decisions:  where will we stand, can we see everyone, will the photographer get back into the lineup before the camera’s allowed count of seconds?  After several “takes” we clamber to see the results.  Which picture is best?  Who had their eyes closed?  Who had that strange expression?  Is there one picture where everyone is looking good?

Silently I ponder who is missing from the photo.  If only all of us could assemble at one time, an impossibility now it seems.  And how about those who have gone before us?  Oh what a fabulous photo that would be. Yet I feel thankful that I am still here to be in this photo.  At my age it’s pretty clear that the day will be coming when my place will be vacated.

Whether it’s all of the family or part of the family, is Jesus present here with us?  We know he is, but does it show?  Is there a spirit of loving kindness and acceptance that permeates the group?  Let’s remember the words from Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

The most important family picture is the family of God!  He includes all of us in his family.  I want to be in that picture and I know you do too.  We all want to “show up” for the final family gathering.  Lord, with your unconditional love keep us close to you and close to one another

Judy