Unique Families

Year 6 - Day 197: Today, I am grateful these three do not know they aren't family.

This image is real. The creatures have names. They are part of the "zoo" at my friend Denise Varner's house. Isn't it priceless?

Denise and her twin, Diane, were barn buddies for April and me. We were close in age and we loved playing outside when they were at their grandparents house across the road from us. We were free to explore the trees, the creek and the barns. We never grew weary of the adventure. Their Grandpa's barn was the best!!! The friendships lasted through high school... and reconnecting with her and Diane are one of the reasons I continue on "The Facebook" as my husband calls it. 

Denise always seems to wind up with an orphan racoon or two. We were raised knowing that they were not to ever be counted forever pets, as they needed to be free. As hard as it is to set them free, it is worth every minute of sadness. They are so curious and entertaining. 

In nature, this picture would have to be photoshopped. I promise you, it is not. It is her life. Her Grandpa Case and Grandma Gladys would be proud to see her carrying on the ways of farm life. All creatures, great and small, are special. Babies are to be protected. Natural boundaries between species often disappear when everyone accepts that family is family. You don't have to look alike, or even be the same species. 

Natural enemies? Love always wins. The raccoon is now free, but returns for food and affection. A typical teenager. I giggle that the dog is so uninterested in the other two. Chickens can be pretty skittish.  Raccoons can hiss when scarred... but their purr is the sweetest sound ever. 

How do I love this photo? In too many ways to count. It makes me remember baby kittens with April, Denise and Diane. It speaks to the power of acceptance and respect. 

The first followers of Christ had trouble letting go of who they were in the past to put on who they were to be in Christ. Culture, religious differences, different skin colors and different socioeconomic backgrounds. The ground was all level at the foot of the cross and in Christ there was no Gentile or Jew. All were welcome to join the family. Adopted into Abraham's promise. Joint heirs with Jesus. This scripture addresses the issue:

"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave[a] nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."  -Galatians 3:27- 29

We are family. No north, south, east, west, black, white, brown, pink, blue, red or purple. We are one in the bond of love through Christ our Lord. Just like Denise's little bunch of critters have found family... our differences allow us to love, grow and explore. 

Love always wins. 

Today, I am grateful these three do not know they aren't family.