The Gift of Stability

It is simply astounding how important stability is in our lives.

Today my family and I delivered gifts from my school's giving tree to another family. We arrived at the home of this single mother and her four daughters earlier today. She has only recently moved into their apartment which was provided through "section 8 housing".

What was remarkable to me is how difficult life is for families who lack stability. What I mean is when families rely on only one parent and then that parent gets cancer and then another child becomes sick, stability for the family is gone. Oh, and add to that a power outage which spoils the food in the freeze, what do you do? You don't have extra money. You don't have extra time. You don't have extra energy. The success of a family is deeply connected to stability.

Consider then, Joseph's decision to stay with Mary. The stability of the holy family is so profoundly important. As we approach Christmas, remember those like the family I met today; pray for them. If you can, find a way to make them have Christmas. Families are praying for our help. Just like Mary and Joseph was praying for a place out of the elements.