““Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”” – Matthew 1:23 NLT

The holiday season is often centered around family, but our earthly family isn’t always what draws us closer to God, sometimes, it’s quite the opposite. Some people are born into abusive families, growing up to hate the world, while even those in good families often find reasons to complain. Surprisingly, I don’t think this is entirely a bad thing.

“If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.” – Matthew 10:37 (NLT)

Earth is just a temporary phase for our souls. We’re not meant to grow too attached to this world. I used to find this idea sad, if even the most tangible and familiar relationships we have here on earth aren’t eternal, what’s the point? But through experience, I’ve come to see that the troubles and pain we encounter here are reminders from our Heavenly Father. They whisper: “You’re not home yet. Focus on Me.”

Everyone we journey through life with, whether lovers, parents, siblings, children, or close friendsis just a temporary companion, supporting us through this brief and challenging journey. Ultimately, we’re not responsible for one another’s lives, that’s between each person and God.

With this new perspective, I can face my family without bias or expectations that they should change for me. I will let go of selfish efforts to mold them into what I think they should be.

God has designed each life uniquely, there aren’t even two identical leaves in the world. This holiday season, I choose to honor God’s design by respecting my family members for who they are. Hallelujah! Thank You, Lord, for molding my life so that I can become who You’ve created me to be.