Yes, you get lots of family when you have a new baby.  Rick's mom, sister, and one-an-a-half year old nephew just left today after a ten day visit.  Them in combination with our 3 kids and ourselves make for the only scenario in which "chaos" and "joy" can be used in the same sentence.  Family brings much challenge as there is plenty of busyness, noise, activity, lack of sleep, and sibling/cousin rivalry.  But going through all of it together as a family is what makes it so great.  There is nothing that can replace family.  It contains unbreakable bonds of flesh and blood.  And for those who take it seriously, it contains depths of love for people that is unmatched...even when those people may drive you crazy.

I think this is why God uses the family metaphor for His bride.  We are a mesh of people glued together by the unbreakable bonds of Christ and the Holy Spirit dwelling within.  And for those who take God's family seriously and let go of their pride and selfishness, there is a depth of love built for each other that is unexplained except for the fact that it is God.  And many of THESE people we love DO drive us crazy...but they are part of our family!

To see pics of our family's visit, click here.

Love, Melissa