A Family Affair
I was reprimanded recently, and rightfully so. My BFFs husband alerted me to the fact that I forgot to mention him in my previous post. Hopefully you read my recent article about Emily’s inaugural sermon kicking off her new ministry this month.
I gushed about the glow she bestowed upon her new congregation, after decades of disciplined pursuit of her passion and honoring her calling. In James’ defense, she told me that he has been a significant source of support in her success, always encouraging her, expressing pride in her accomplishments, even cooking and serving dinner while she was studying. I mentioned her raising two beautiful daughters as well, but realize she didn’t do it alone! Silly me: at t first I was confused regarding why he would expect to be mentioned. And then I got a taste of my own medicine! In her latest sermon Em mentioned walking to church by herself as a child. Wait a minute now: though I am sure that did occur, more often than not she and I were walking there together!
It dawned on me that this really is a family affair. This is a partnership, a team effort and a success shared by many. Pursuing your purpose with passion takes effort and energy, discipline and determination. And it takes relationships with people who love and support each other along the way.
Just like uncle Bill needed Mr. French to raise Buffy, Jody and Cissy, it really does take a village to raise a child, and it takes a community to build a church. The Brady family had Alice, and Charlie cared for a dad and his three sons. Friends truly are the family we choose for ourselves, and: those relationships are our roots to the universe and the wind beneath our wings. Now connected to a new community of faith, our family continues to grow.
Consider any success you have achieved in your life, and the support those around you have shed on your situation. No man is an island, and no one succeeds alone.
A timeless truth is revealed through this reflection: a burden shared by many becomes light for all. Not that Em’s journey was a burden on anyone, but you get the point: it was a lot of work, and she didn’t do it alone. That was evident by the family and friends who gathered for her graduation, and her inaugural sermon. . Everything you achieve is a result of the relationships you have cultivated along the way. There are no exceptions to this rule. Remember to give credit where credit is due! Thanks James, for reminding me of this important part of the process.
Gail is a regular contributor to the Post/Voice.
