How did you spend Family Day?
The Family Day holiday was first celebrated in Alberta in 1990. Way to go Alberta! The Premier of the day, Don Getty, said it was important for all Albertans to take time for their families and this holiday would emphasize the importance of family values.
Our family spent today apart, in different parts of the country, but we were living out the Jones family values.
My wife Jocelyn, was in Nova Scotia (where there is no Family day holiday…yet). She is there for a month caring for her elderly mum who had just had hip replacement surgery. “Going home,” for adult children is always an “interesting experience” because no matter how old you are, when you go home, you are the “child” again. Its not easy being gone for so long but that’s what you do for your family when they need you.
Our oldest son, Cory, was in Regina, readying the High School basketball team he coaches as they move towards seasonal playoffs. It’s a day off, but a day on for him as he volunteers to serve.
Our youngest son, Jean Marc and his wife and her family were at their church in Leduc (Gateway Family Church) hosting a free Family day celebration for the citizens of Leduc. Over 1,000 people made their way through their modest-sized church with a mega-sized heart for their community.
Our family has always held the value of helping.
I spent part of the afternoon at the Royal Alex hospital visiting with one of the younger men from North Pointe. He was recently admitted facing inoperable brain cancer. He is preparing for eternity. When he saw me he said, “What are you doing here? Its Family Day?” I told him, “You are my family.’ That may sound kinda sappy, but its true. He knows it. We read from John chapter 11 about Jesus being the resurrection and the life and then we prayed together. It may be the last time I get to see him on earth but being a part of a forever family makes all the difference in the world and beyond this world.
That’s Family Day for me.
Hope yours was a good one too!
