Family

       The influence of the Bird Sanctuary has spread all over but the direct influence of the Bird Park's central

meaning of FAMILY is perhaps best represented by Edith Cates and her extended family. Back in the

1950's Cynthia and Betty Jo played "Hopscotch," "Mother May I," and "Simon Says" for hours on end in the

front yard. There were no personal health nor safety concerns, and the worst thing that could happen to a kid

was the switching they would get if they ignored Dad and Mom's call to supper.

      Family was the most critical element of all needs and a strong family commitment was present. On

Saturdays, the children and their playmateswould show up at Mama Edith's kitchenfor pancakes. The family

love, dedication, and devotion to the Lord Jesus was evident and sought by all around them (including back

door neighbor Bobby Wilson).

       Here we are fifty years later and I visited Edith the other day. Her two daughters are now living with

Edith and cooking, cleaning, and helping her to make her life as easy as possible. One of the daughter's sons

stopped by to pick up a shovel from Grandma and a granddaughter stopped by to do her laundry. This is the

way that the Lord intended for His family to function. Each member is dependant on one another. Rather

than reaching out to get help from someone else; they call on one another.

       One of the grandchildren is a pastor in a South Carolina church now and this reflects on the training he

received at his grandmother's feet.  Regardless of what we may think, the Lord can and will make use of

anyone who makes himself available for use. And the first place for someone to receive the training for

working for the Lord is family devotions and prayer time. Thank God for strong grandmothers, family, and

the presence of a Bird Sanctuary in all our community lives.