Gods Path

Genesis 45:3-11, 15. V 7 “God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors.”

This is the end of the story of Joseph, the boy who was loved by his father more than his other brothers. The brothers were jealous and sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt. Joseph faith in God made him realize that he was following God’s path to allow his family to survive the famine. He told his brother not to be upset or angry with what they had done. Finally, we see Joseph “kissed each of his brothers and wept over them, and after that they began talking freely with him. “

Families large and small all have their own stories, of who is the favorite, who is the cleverest, who is best at sports, and in the interaction of all this, sometimes one family member will move far away. In Josephs case this was forced on him by his brothers, in my case I moved from the UK to British Columbia, Canada, just for a year. However, I got married in B.C. as I wanted those who were able to support us as a couple to be at the wedding and then celebrated our second wedding anniversary in Ontario, separated again from family and friends, but supported by other family members that we did not know as well. Was it God’s plan that I moved so much? He certainly was with me on the journey, as today I look back and see many great things that have come from living in Ontario. God’s path is a good path to follow. I am thankful for the new family members that helped my husband and I become a family of our own and have always been there for us. For the growth that I have experienced on my faith journey and the support I was able to give my parents in the UK as they battled with the ups and downs of declining health despite living so far apart, it was easier being in Ontario rather than British Columbia! Following God’s path leads to good things. And whatever happens in your family Joseph shows us the right way to behave, to kiss and make up with family when you do get together.

Prayer: Holy Father for some the journey is varied, for others the challenge is to stay close to where they were born, for all following your path brings joy to our lives and for this we thank you. Amen.