A few weeks ago my parents planned to come visit me in Atlanta. Before I knew it, word had gotten out and 14 of us had come together from 3 different states. A lot of my friends asked what the special occasion was or what we were celebrating when they found out how many of us were getting together. I had never really thought about it because, well, because family. That’s just how my family is. I guess we can’t get enough of each other. We are always getting together just because and for no reason other than we find out a couple others are getting together and don’t want to miss out on the memory making!
The older I get, the more I appreciate this about my family. They’re always around. They’re always available – whether it’s a phone call I need or a visit. They’re always willing to drop everything if they are needed – even if it’s just to be with me. And I’m beginning to realize that an Atlanta family is forming – from my church.
Because my family can’t physically be here when I need them 100% of the time, I’ve realized that I’ve started looking to people from my church to fill that gap. Recently, there have been several times I haven’t been able to do things on my own where I’ve needed help, needed support or even just encouragement. And people from my church aren’t just filling these needs when I ask but even when I don’t ask.
And it’s because they help me out whether I ask or not – give whether I think I need it or not – just be with me whether I admit I need it or not – say things I need to hear whether I want to hear them or not – because most of the time, they know what I need more than I do. They are becoming like a second family to me. And to find and be part of a family like that, in addition to the family I was born into, makes me a doubly blessed girl! I’m so very thankful for my Fringe Family!
That can be the most special group – that Fringe Family. Nothing replaces your real family, but our church families are special. I grew up far from grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins – just never got to even know them. But everywhere we lived, our church family became that group to lean on, fellowship with, and make memories with. I still depend on them today. You are truly doubly blessed!