When you think of Family a mom, dad, children, stepchildren, adopted children, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins probably come to mind automatically. I think sometimes we forget what Family really means. To me Family isn't made from a common blood line it's bound by love. Not mandatory love because of shared DNA but the choice to love someone who has no ties to you other than making you smile and laugh. Of course some of our own relatives fall into this category too by choice not by obligation.
In my experience relatives often take advantage and take for granted “family” members because of the misconception of unconditional love. Unconditional love isn't supposed to give someone a "get-away with anything" card but remind us that we should forgive. And Forgiving doesn't mean that we allow others to reign freely crushing our feelings and spirits in the process. Look at the word For-give-ness and the meaning; to give up resentment. Forgiveness is meant to be a gift, it’s not an obligation.
My Family is made up of a collection of a few blood relatives, in laws, the family of my "adopted" parent and many amazing friends of choice. The place cards missing in the makeup of my family include my dad, uncles and aunts, grandparents etc., all by my choosing. The people I consider my family are people who offer something positive to my life. Perhaps it's against what we have all been taught to turn the other cheek but I only have one life to live. I refuse to give forgiveness out so freely to the people who feel obligated to love/deal with me or use me under the cloak of unconditional love to be a part of my family.
My thoughts aren’t traditional and compared to your values I may seem completely wrong but for my life they fit just right. If I am wrong come judgment day I pray I receive the gift of Forgiveness.
