Some of us may remember a Chinese song that was released in 1989 titled “甜蜜的家庭” (My Sweet Family).
The song sings of how lovely the family is - clean and comfortable, siblings living together in harmony and parents that are kind and loving.
我的家庭真可愛 整洁美滿又安康 姊妹兄弟很和氣 父亲母亲都慈祥 虽然沒有好花园 春兰秋桂常飘香 虽然沒有大厅堂 冬天溫暖夏天涼 可愛的家庭呀 我不能离开你 你的恩惠比天长 | My family is so lovely It’s clean, we are happy and in good health Our siblings live harmoniously Parents are kind and loving Even though we do not have a big garden The spring orchid and autumn cassia share their fragrance Even though we do not have a big house The winters are warm and summer cool Oh, my sweet family I can never leave you Your grace is everlasting |
I believe that some may have, indeed, grown up in such a family. We are thankful for the family members that could also include grandparents, uncles and aunties and pets in the same house. Even though there are squabbling and tears, there are also love, laughs and thankfulness for the care and safety from the members that we are blessed with.
However, not all families are the same. Parent situations could be different due to separation or divorce, from financial difficulties or death. Some children may be staying with relatives because parents work overseas or they were adopted into a family. The members in a family unit may also not be linked by blood, surname or obligations. However, if those who live together are committed to love and support each other unconditionally, form intentional and meaningful relationships, that can be a family, too.
For those of us who know God as our Heavenly Father, we are also members of God’s family. He sought us and brought us into His family though the blood of Jesus. “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12).
Do you have one or a few persons who may not be related but are supportive and care for you, laugh and cry with you in the different seasons of your life? I would also consider them as my family, because they encourage, care for me and let me know I am not alone.
Wishing all a happy weekend with your families!
Joyce Chia （谢玉芬） Head Pastoral Care and Counselling
Celebrating Family Day in our Centres
For Family Day 2022 on 10 June, our children shared about who they live with at home with their classmates. They were reminded to respect that everyone lives with different configurations of families - some have family members like grandparents or relatives. Children learned that a family loves by caring for each other in all situations, and that they can also show love to their families by being patient or saying a kind word of appreciation to them. Children gifted their families a nature-themed craft such as family trees to thank them for nurturing and growing with them!