Lessons Learned from Spending Time with Family

I just got back from a mini vacation with my favorite family. April, Adam, Hailey, and my favorite inlaws went to Orlando to visit Walt Disney World. We had a great time and we were able to do everything we wanted to do as well as relax quite a bit. I was glad we were able to go since we may not be able to make it back there for a while with our move to Michigan in August.

During the trip, I noticed lots of different kinds of people. The weekend we were there was Star Wars weekend at Disneys Hollywood Studios so there were some interesting people running around in some interesting to say the least costumes. I saw happy families, angry families, tired families, and families with lots of energy. We were able to talk with people standing in line which is always fun and interesting. We always enjoy giving them pointers on how to make the most of their Disney experience since we consider ourselves to be "experts".

Last week was also the week when people who live in alternative lifestyles gather in Orlando. Due to this April and I were nervous about taking the kids during this time, but we decided to give it a try and see what happened. Later in the week we had a discussion about how the church has done a terrible job of reaching out to this community. The church as a whole has not done a good job of showing them the love of Christ and that is a tragedy. Instead we have tried to shame them into coming to Christ. I have to admit when I see someone who is involved in this lifestyle I automatically judge them, but when I see someone who may be involved in a "lesser sin" I have compassion on them. This week I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to not judge the sinner but rather pray for them and do what I can to show them the love of Christ. Everyone who has not accepted Christs love and forgiveness has a need regardless of the "sin" in which they are involved. Romans 3:23 says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Except for the grace of God we would all perish. My desire is that I would be able to talk straight with people about their sins and how a Holy God hates their sin, but loved them enough to make a way for their sins to be removed. The next few days as you go about your normal day remember that everyone you come in contact with is someone for whom Jesus died and try to show that person the love of Christ.