In-Law Invasion

For years when we lived in Mexico as missionaries we saw very little of our family back home. Every once in a while our parents would come to visit or on an ocassional trip up north we would be able to spend some time with family. It was hard for our kids to grow up without seeing grandparents. It was hard for us to be absent from family over a long period of time. For the past three years though Becky's parents have become "winter texans" and have spent the winter months with us. It has been so good for Becky and our kids to spend quality time with them. Since returning to the Valley some years ago we have had more access to my parents because of their ministry close by. There is a price to pay when we follow Christ. Many people don't answer the call to serve because of the ties they have with family. Jesus had to deal with the same issue. When he was teaching one day some folks interupted him and said that his family was outside wanting to see him. Jesus answered and said, "who is my family, but he that does the will of God." We have found that since we were willing to give up family in obedience to Gods call that we have inherited a much larger family abroad. We have so many brothers and sisters in foreign lands that gives us joy in knowing that lives have been changed through our willingness to go. The in-laws have sold the home here and are moving up north. We will miss them deeply. They have loved us and continue to accept us with all our weaknesses and flaws. I guess that is why family is so important to have around. Everybody needs to be loved unconditionally.