Connecting with clan

      Author Jane Howard wrote, “Call it a clan, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” 

     As I often remind myself, I am blessed with a loving family. 

     Some of them live nearby, others within reasonable distances so as to be able to visit me from time to time. What a joy to anticipate those out-of-town visits. 

     I feel sad when I hear of someone, for various reasons, without kith or kin. 

     Is God lonely when He is separated from those He loves? 

     As actor, Michael J. Fox pointed out, “Family is not an important thing. It is everything!” 

     This week, as it was the spring break from school, granddaughter Krista with my great-grands, Evelyn (6 yrs.), and Melissa, (3-1/2 yrs.), came from Richmond to visit Papa and Grandma, (James and Karen). 

     

Krista (left), Evelyn and Karen.

     I was invited to be a part of a “girl’s time out” — to be pampered, which for me was truly a serendipity! 

     Great-grandma Beulah, grandma Karen, grand-daughter Krista, and great-grand Evelyn all found their comfortable chairs at Angelina’s — each ready for a lovely pedicure. 

     Soon we were walking away feeling light-footed and beautiful! 
    

     It was unfortunate that Melissa couldn’t join us, as she was recovering from a slight tummy upset, possibly a reaction from an earlier Easter egg hunt that grandma Karen had organized with the neighbourhood kids. 

     The calendar says spring has arrived, but we keep waiting for sunshine and warmer days. 

     Spring is a beautiful time of re-birth in many ways. Often, spring awakens more than dormant plant-life. 

     My neighbour telephoned me the other day, asking if I had any left-over insect repellent. She had discovered a line of ants that were taking over a portion of her garage. 

     What busy little creatures they are — another of God’s marvels! 

     

     But maybe these insignificant little insects have a valuable lesson for us. 

     When God created the animal and insect kingdoms, He made each species unique with amazing abilities and sense. 

     My thoughts then lead me to my Bible and to the book of Proverbs that often has statements expressing truths about human behaviour. 

     I read, “Go to the ant, you sluggard, consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest,” (Proverbs 6:6-8). 

     We know ants are highly social, living in colonies where each has a special job, keeping things running efficiently. They have an exemplary work ethic, respectfully considering the good of all. When there’s a need, each can be relied upon for the colony’s success, such as “springing into action” should the top of their ant hill get knocked off. 

     As this verse suggests, the sluggard considers only the here and now, while the ant plans ahead for the good of all.  

     

     I wonder, do I look beyond my self-interests, have respect and feel responsibility for the greater good of the colony of which I am a part — my community or my church?     

     Do you worry about the future? 
People have always done it. 

     Even in ancient Greece, 500 years before Christ, concern about what was to come caused the playwright Aeschylus to comment on it. 

     “The future you shall know when it comes," he wrote. Until then — forget about it!”   

— beulah