My future "family-in-laws" although not technically, though I refer to them as such because I always decided whomever my brother should marry in the future, his second family would also be my second family and visa versa. Regardless, my brother's fiance's family had a wonderful Easter Celebration over at their house. And as always when the three families get together, I am always in awe but also so proud of the diversity and how it all comes together in a time of happy hospitality and graceful as well as not so graceful encounters. 

There was one particular moment that really exemplified this diversity and I think when I say diversity it is always important to remind others that diversity doesn't just mean diversity in ethnicity. Although, we do happen to now have a big family from China as well as India and parts of Europe. However, there is always diversity in gender as well as personality, cultural backgrounds and differing belief patterns, religions and experiences. And the beautiful part about our one big happy family is the fact that every personality is different. Not only that but cultures are completely different. Not only that but the food we eat is different as well as religious beliefs and so it always keeps me grounded in the fact that you learn so much about yourself when embracing this big happy family but even moreso about others and how your preconceived notions or judgements can affect you and your everyday life or it can affect how you perceive others. 

I happened to be going to get more food (because it was so very delicious) and as I was helping myself to more, I overheard a conversation going on in the dining room. An individual happened to point to a picture on the dining room wall (which was a picture of Jesus) and inquired with a simple question: "Who is that?" And I must say, although I was chuckling inside a bit to myself (because for those who are Christian...we celebrate the fact that Jesus has risen on Easter) I also was so very impressed with the individual who happened to answer this very honest question. He responded simply with, "Well that happens to be Jesus" and transitioned right into the history of the painting and the artist behind it and how it came to be. 

And as I was reflecting on my own initial responses (laughing internally and a bit out loud), I also began to reflect on how beautiful the response was. Because instead of laughing, this kind man took the time to tell the story of Jesus. Instead of laughing, this individual answered the question with fully understanding that religious beliefs were different but that was okay because here we were, whether that individual realized it or not, celebrating Easter or celebrating Jesus and the fact that he rose again for us. 

And I sometimes think how different the world would be, how much more accepted others would feel if we would respond with a gentle heart each and every time someone inquired about a topic "we thought they should know" or inquired about a religion "we thought they ought to know." And how important it is to speak the truth without being condescending or too forthright or even arrogant. How we go about answering questions about Jesus really indicated what kind of disciples we are in life. And for the man that answered, I think he is the disciple we should all be striving for. The one who spreads the beliefs about Jesus honestly, with integrity and with a kindred spirit. And so every day I come away from these gatherings always acknowledging the fact that: 

I have a long way to go as an individual

I also have a long way to go as a disciple 

But we certainly learn from the beautiful examples around us. The best kind of gathering allows for these reflections.