We were six children. How my parents balanced that budget, only they will know. Today, one would have to sell a few farms to raise a herd of kids like that and send them out into the world armed with an education.

Unfortunately, my dad died when I was fairly young and later that same year, one of my brothers died in a car accident. As a result, we are quite close as a family. We don’t overstay our welcome, but we keep in regular contact to know how everybody’s doing.

If one of us has a problem, we pray together. When there’s something to celebrate, we give thanks together. And we go big too: every second year, we meet up in the Cederberg for Christmas and have great fun together for one whole week.

I’m grateful for my family, because I know when something strikes the fan of life, my family is first at the door, giving a hug and asking where and how they can help.

That’s how family should work. Family must look after one another. Family must care for one another and support one another, especially when hard times strike.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work like that. So many families are broken. Things said or done in the past that caused such a huge rift that cannot be bridged. So sad.

Fortunately, we who are children of God have found a new family. ⁴Dear Titus, legitimate son in the faith: Receive everything God our Father and Jesus our Savior give you!

Paul was the instrument in Titus’ conversion. They enjoyed a very close relationship and Paul regarded Titus as his own son. Titus was safe in this relationship and knew who he could go to if he needed help when things weren’t going well

It’s as if God knew that many of us would mess up in our earthly families, so He provided a new family. Maybe not a flesh and blood family, but family glued together through the blood of Jesus.

I’m privileged to be part of a few families. Pals who’ve been with me since school. Pals to watch rugby with. Pals I can stay over with when my bed is occupied by guests.

We often use the phrase: My brother from another mother. But now I realise it actually is: My brother from another Father.

Blood is thicker than water. Or the ties of blood are strong. That’s how our family is for one another. We will struggle together, we will help one another, and look for a way out together.

Let’s take hands. Let’s realise what God gave us. Let’s embrace our family and serve one another. And when someone in your family has offended you, be the least …

Scripture
Titus 1:1-4

Reflection
How do you show gratitude towards your family?
Where do you have to give?
Where do you have to forgive?

Prayer
Father, thank you for all my brothers and sisters and that we can be family. But I know sometimes I’m on my own. Others miss out. Me too. Please help me reach out more to the rest of my family, those who are family by blood too. Amen.