Thoughts on What Makes a Family

What makes a family?

It is not simply a matter of legal contract (marriage) plus off-spring...what of those who, for one reason or another, cannot biologically have children of their own? If they adopt, are they not creating family?

My own experience of family is one of reassortments and blessings. I have my son, and with the love of other family members we created our own family. I have loved ones who have adopted, and in doing so they brought home a child and created their family with every bit as much right and blessing as I created mine.

Family is not simply a matter of passing on genetic material. Family is love, is choices made and not made, is sacrifices made, is about realising more is passed on thru love than thru genes...

Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Season of Lent, a season of reflection, abstinence and penitence. It is a recognition that each of us is a humble sinner, who requires the love and sacrifice of God to be redeemed. It is a season that prepares us for the celebration of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection on Easter morn.

We are dust...and to dust we shall return.

Here are a few links, for those wishing additional information about the observance of Lent:

Catholic.org has a very informative Lent section here.

Creighton University's Online Ministry has a wonderful "Praying Lent" page here.

Our Pope Benedict XVI has a Lenten Message, celebrating Divine Justice, here.

Beliefnet.com has a Lent Calendar and some interesting Lent links here. (NOTE - some of their website material may not be appropriate for children, I would always review their pages first)