"But...It was your turn to watch her!"

"But...it was your turn to watch her!" says Chris.

Chris.
My Uncle.
My Dad's brother-in-law.
My weekend blessing and entertainment.

It wasn't just another ordinary weekend in Kalamazoo. Uncle Chris and Aunt Ella stopped by on their way back to Baltimore from a road trip out West. We do not get to see them too often but they are the kind of family that just fits right into our crazy family like they have always been here. This weekend sure proved that. Aunt Ella knows just what to say to make you feel special and Uncle Chris knows just what to say to make you think and make you smile. They are a compliment to each other and to our family. We have so many sweet memories with these two and their family. They just added a few more.

Most of these great memories involve times together as families. From family trips to Ocean City and Williamsburg to reunions, weddings and funerals. Some of the best times were the summers that my sister Stephanie and I stayed with them at their house. They added us two to their four kids like we were their own. (I know now that after you have two kids...a few more is no big deal. They actually make it easier by being entertainment for the rest.)

We went to Food Dance for lunch yesterday with our big family of 17. It was a busy place with many others waiting before us. During the wait, some took advantage of using the restroom. Our table was soon called and we were escorted through what seemed like a maze to get to our table on the other side of the restaurant. As we all took a seat we noticed there was one seat left over. I figured someone was still in the restroom.

Uncle Chris said with great concern, "Where's my wife? We've lost her!" He then gave me a really serious look and said, "But...It was your turn to watch her!"  Made me laugh to think I lost her and made me laugh more to see my Uncle laughing at his own joke. She did find her way back to us ...and he greeted her like she had been missing forever. Then she calmly took her seat like she had definitely heard that one before.

What a gift to have such comfortable fun family and what a blessing to know that when we can't always watch them or be with them....God always watches after his own. He knows where we are and he is always waiting to warmly greet us, bless us and entertain us... just like family.

"You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do...You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head" Psalm 139: 3, 5