One evening, while my youngest child was playing computer games late into the night in their father’s office, he turned to me with a satisfied expression and said,

“I love my family the most! I’m thankful for everything!”

“Really? I think so too! Truly, our family has been so richly blessed by God.”

As I agreed with my child’s words, I was reminded of William Wordsworth’s quote, “The child is the father of the man.”

Even though living together as a family on this earth is one of the most precious and beautiful things, I found myself reflecting on how much I truly valued and appreciated my family in everyday life. Even though we may carry feelings of gratitude toward our families, we often express more negative words than simple phrases like “Thank you” or “This is wonderful.” This realization led me to self-reflection. Still, I cannot deny that I am who I am today because of the family that God’s grace has brought together.

One evening, I had gone into Manhattan by train and was returning home in Queens late. The distance between the train station and our home was at least a ten-minute walk, so it was usual for me to call home from the station to be picked up. That night, I called from the quiet and dark station, and the pastor answered the phone.

“Sena hasn’t come back from the library yet, and we don’t have a car. Please take a taxi home.”

One of our cars was at the shop, and the oldest child had taken the other car and had not yet returned. Although I replied, “Alright,” I decided not to take a taxi and started walking. Since it was late and the streets were empty, I chose a well-lit route and hurried my steps.

When I finally arrived home, our two younger children greeted me excitedly and opened the door.

“Mom! Did you see Dad? He went out to meet you riding Sejun’s bike!”

“He did? On Sejun’s bike? I didn’t see him…”

I thought to myself, ‘Why didn’t he just wait at home? He hasn’t ridden a bike since childhood, and he hasn’t exercised recently either. It’s so dark… What if he falls with the bike?‘ I began to worry.

Soon after, the pastor came in, cheeks flushed from the wind, and showed a look of relief. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and hugged him in heartfelt thanks. He had clearly sensed that I might not take a taxi and had gone out to meet me, not trusting that I would follow his advice.

Just behind him, the eldest child came rushing in and said with a sheepish smile,

“It was about time for you to get home, so I went to the station, waited a bit, then came back.”

I hugged the child as well and thanked him. That evening, I was deeply reminded of how happy we are to live in a family where we are cared for and loved by one another.

Through my ministry, I’ve found that in most cases, families who are united in faith, love, and care for one another raise children who grow up strong and beautiful. Even when they face financial hardships, these families rise up again with surprising resilience.