November 29 – “Family Connections”

It took me pretty much all morning, but I made it to all the fire stations yesterday morning with my meager deliveries of fried turkey.  They all received it quite graciously, even those that already had quite a spread ready.  I started around 8:30 or 9 I think, and finally got back home just before noon.   That was after stopping by to pick up Cailyn.  She didn’t want to miss the big feast she has been talking about for weeks, and she ended up spending the night with us.  Her Mom and Dad were both sick.  Nathan officially had strep throat and dutifully made his trip to the doctor since he goes on shift today.  April was still recuperating from her episode the night before.  Nathan had plans for her to go to the clinic this morning.  We’ll see what that outcome is when she comes to get Cailyn. 

I was struck for some reason by the differences among the stations in how they were spending their well-deserved down time.  There were varying amounts of food at the different locations.  Smoked turkey.  Hams.  Casseroles.  Some had plans for families to join them for lunch.  One station was working on a big Barbeque lunch, preferring to save the traditional turkey and dressing for their home experience the next day.  Another had their own turkey fryer going.  They were providing turkeys for some folks at UTMB as well as for their lunch.  I thought my meager offering would get lost in the shuffle there, but one of the guys took what was going to be just a taste, and after his fourth or fifth return visit to the bag, he ended up getting scolded for eating too much.  I don’t remember what was playing on TV at the first station, but since I was noticing differences, I paid closer attention after that.  And it was different in every place.  One had the Thanksgiving Day parade going in its full glory.  At one two guys had appropriated the TV for a rousing game of Madden football.  At another all four guys were glued to the set watching Burn, a special where a video crew follows an actual fire department in Detroit.  They assured me that it would a better show to watch for reality than Chicago Fire.  “That a soap opera” was their summation of the Hollywood version.  One station was taking in a basketball game, and the final one had the James Bond movie Thunderball showing.  It was fascinating to realize that with all the widely varying difference between them, these guys could come together as one unit when the alarm sounds and work in tandem to get the job done.  Quite impressive.

Kel and his family were already at the house when we got back.  The kids started playing and went non-stop until they left last night, breaking only for a brief time to gather in the kitchen.  All of us held hands in a circle and prayed, thanking God for the feast, but of course also remembering poor old sick Uncle Nathan and Aunt April, and the absent Uncle Josh and Aunt Christi and Zak, Caleb, and Baby Luke.  And as we sat around the table, Chris asked each one what was one thing they were thankful for.  Amid the inevitable practicality that comes from any gathering of youngsters (Wii’s and toys and video games), a distinctive common element quickly became evident: Family.  After all, these holidays are all about family, whether they be through blood connection or through the extended, I’ve-got-your-back, my-life-is-in-your-hands, fire-fighter kind of bond.

Galatians 6:9-10 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Father, thank you for my families.  What an incredible blessing you have given me in the three I am connected with: The connection by blood – my mom and wife and kids and grandkids.  The connection by the Spirit – your Church.  And the connection by service – the fire fighting community.  Amen.