lotsa family this past week

This past week Es and I were blessed by spending time with each of our families. We first went to Deroche, BC, for a family reunion for her mom's side of the family. I learned some new Dutch phrases and sampled some awesome Dutch cuisine--especially panenkoek and bahmi. The reunion went from Tuesday to Friday. It was hard for us to say "good-bye" to the relatives but we had to. But that same day we drove back here to Kamloops and visited with my native relatives. My dad and niece danced in the Pow-Wow this weekend. Here's a picture of my Dad in his full-regalia. If I can ever figure out how to upload a video onto this blog, I have a 20 second clip of him dancing.
When I sit back and observe the people God has brought into my life--first and foremost his Son, Jesus Christ and a close second is my beautiful wife--I can only use one word: blessed. Some traditions use the term "unconditional election" when talking about their salvation. They did nothing to deserve it nor achieve it. It was freely given by God. Can I steal part of that phrase to coin a new one? Unconditional Blessing. I did nothing to deserve nor achieve the relationships (family and friends) I have but rather I see these as gifts from God.
I trust that you and I will hold relationships high and cosider them when we consider what we've been given and how wealthy we are.