“I love everybody!” Parker, my youngest son, exclaimed. Somehow his comment poured grace and forgiveness over a divide that had caused a split in our family. Emma smiled and nudged her dad as if to say, “I’m with Parker.” Hunter and Seth shuffled in their seats, a bit uncomfortable, but knowing that what he had said mirrored their deepest sentiments. I looked at Elijah and his quiet face couldn’t hide the sparkle of joy in his eyes. He understood the depth of what Parker had said. Sophie grinned and nodded her head in agreement.  Greg and I felt the tension ease and we knew we were seeing the angry words and hurt feelings get washed away by love.

It was a random day or night or sometime in between when all eight of us came together to talk about some things that had been said or done that caused hurt feelings, created sides, and divided our family of eight. The source of the conflict doesn’t really matter.  We have had these meetings a few times before as we attempt to take on what society and statistics say won’t last, won’t make it, and won’t be anything one would desire. We’ve been told only strife and struggle is what will come from this blend. Compassion, understanding, and most of all, love will rarely thrive.

A   typical, so-called “normal” family already has its challenges. Single parents often feel the responsibility of being both a mother and a father to their children. In a blended family, a person cannot draw from a long history of being together. Memories and traditions must be made and sometimes that can be hard. It can feel like being with a group of people who know an inside joke and the others are asking, “what’s so funny”?

When Greg and I started dating, we knew that more than our hearts were at stake. Our six amazing children who had dreams and desires of their own were taking risks to get to know and love strangers.  We knew they held memories that were special to them and we always wanted to respect those connections. However, we also knew that opportunities abounded for them to enjoy each other and make memories together. We knew that, even if they weren’t “blood” related, they were becoming a family. Since they were in a blended family, they had the chance to show that the word “family” meant there are no orphans, steps, or halves. Instead, they are children of God, a family of God.

“I love everybody,” echoed in my mind as I snarled at the person who cut in front of me. I grumbled a bit too harshly at that tardy student who came into my classroom. I snapped at the person on the other end of the phone who was just doing their job, trying to sell termite bonds or insurance.  “I love everybody” screams the loudest when people choose to say and do things that are hurtful, especially when it is directed at my children—all six of them who live in my home and all 96 of them in my classroom. “I love everybody” haunts me when I choose hate over love, when I select strife over peace, when I hang on to bitterness instead of forgiveness.

Loving everyone seems impossible. In fact, I don’t think it is humanly feasible. Fortunately, God operates in the impossible.  He tells a couple who are almost 100 years old that they will have a baby (Abraham and Sarah). He promises He’ll protect three faithful followers as they step into the fire (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego).  He prepares a young shepherd (David) for the fight of his life with only a few stones and a slingshot to take down a giant bully (Goliath). He places the Son of Man in a manger, the Hope of the world, and saves us all. He does it all out of love.

“I love you, Momma,” Parker said the other day. I was making a cake and that may have prompted his sweet comment.

“I love you, too, Parker,” I said. He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a big kiss and hug.

I continued making the cake, each ingredient separate and necessary to the recipe. Then I began stirring and blending the items. They changed shape and formed a sweet batter. As the liquid turned into a solid through the high heat in the oven, I could smell the sweet smell of a lovely chocolate cake.

I thought about Parker’s words, “I love everybody.” Our family will blend. It will change. It will develop into something incredibly sweet and desirable as long as we choose to love each other.  I hope that aroma of love in our family fills the air wherever we go and reminds everyone that God is the God of the Impossible and He LOVES EVERYONE!