Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

Psalm 100:1

Ah, cousins! Four in all. As an only child, sharing space with a lively family was a joy and, admittedly, sometimes a challenge. Three of those cousins were boys!

We shared joys, challenges, hopes, and dreams as we prayed, ate, shopped, and played together. We cooled down in a small blow-up pool, made potholders, and ate homemade strawberry shortcake … as if we didn’t have a care in the world. We just celebrated being together.

Then and now, God blesses me with opportunities to make joyful noises with cousins. Last July, my husband and I traveled to Virginia for the first time since pre-COVID. What a joy to see my cousins and their families and renew connections with them! While social media helps connect us, there’s nothing like in-person time as we celebrated, once again, our Schini roots.

Louise Schini Weber
Fort Myers, FL

Good Father, thanks for family. Continue to shower Your blessings on them, especially cousins. Amen.

Reflect: Remember family today and celebrate the blessings they are/were in your life.

Read: Genesis 45:4-15 and Psalm 100