“They” say you can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends. It’s a trite saying because it’s true. There’s another saying that’s equally apt: Home is where your story begins. In my case, if I could choose a family…. it would be the one I’ve been blessed with – warts and all.
It’s home and these relationships that begin to determine who you are and why and how you relate with others. For me, having family around is what it’s all about. Individuals to the core, every one, then again…. for survival, you’d have to be. One of the more delightful aspects is that we really do enjoy one another’s company.
Always agree? Hardly. We put the scriptural reference of ‘iron sharpening iron’ to the test constantly. Bottom line though is that each person’s opinion is valued, even if it isn’t agreed with or followed. The ability to express a thought/idea/belief, allowing others to agree or disagree, seems to be the hallmark.
Before this appears to be a treatise on the virtues of my family, glamorized and idealized, we are not the paragon of all virtues – there are errors, misunderstandings that do occur. But there are also two invaluable qualities that also permeate our relationships: saying you’re sorry and forgiveness. One does make mistakes but we also are quick to say we made a mistake and apologize – and the other person is quick to forgive.
Family is every one’s beginning – for good or not – and how you grow in that environment begins your story.
