Under the Umbrella

So in honor of my dear friend, I am going to do Wednesday's Walk.

One of my favorite pictures of me is this one under the umbrella. I don't know why I like it so much. Maybe, because I was a pretty cute kid LOL, or the way the camera grabbed the moment or maybe it is the memory behind the day. Whatever the reason it is a favorite of mine and my parents.

We were down in Missouri during their hot summer days. My Aunt and my three cousins lived in a house out in the country. That day, she got out the sprinkler and the umbrella and let us dance around under the falling water. I loved that we got to use the yellow umbrella it made playing in the sprinkler all that more exciting. I remember having so much fun with my cousins that we saw maybe once a year. It was a great day and time with my family.

My family has become such an important part of my life, even my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. I love them so very much and treasure every moment, every memory with them. It is so amazing how God designed us and our families and how much we need them in our lives.

It also helps me realize the value of my church family, my brothers and sisters in Christ. I have no family here were we pastor; but I have a church family here. God has been showing me how all of them love me just like my real family and how wonderful they are. It helps me know I am not alone even when my real family is hours away, they are my real family here at home. They are worth fighting for, investing in and giving my heart to.

Thanks God for loving us and giving us umbrellas, sprinklers and family, with that I will....