In the “good old days” a family reunion was commonplace. In today’s world, a chance to get together with your relatives is rare. Most families in this century hardly know each other because of the miles that separate them. I am fortunate to have two of my children living in close proximity, but one is far away in another state. Still, we manage to get together at least once a year.
I remember family reunions which included what seemed like a hundred or more relatives that I’d never met before. There was potato salad, fried chicken, yummy desserts and homemade ice cream – all sitting in the hot sun, collecting bacteria of all sorts. You were introduced to complete strangers and expected to instantly bond, because you were connected by blood. You shared some of the same DNA with these strangers, after all.
The generation gap gets in the way as well. The elders need walkers, canes or wheelchairs. The middle agers compare career notes and successes, while the adolescents are left to their own devices – literally. The toddlers are often watched by the grandparents or the younger children. Generally, this is an occasion to reunite as a family. Maybe your politics don’t match up. Perhaps your lifestyles are completely different. You might find common ground to kindle a conversation, but you know you’ll remember little of the event after it’s over. The miles will continue to separate us. We go back to our old ways of living and realize that family doesn’t necessarily mean blood. We find that those within our own private lives are often more like family than those who share our ancestry.
- Those we confide in,
- Those we laugh with,
- Those we emulate,
- Those who make us feel good about ourselves,
- Those we can trust and those who trust us,
- Those who share our beliefs,
- Those connected by like interests.
- Those we can count on to be there for us.
- Those who would never betray us.
You aren’t a family because you share the same background, beliefs of blood type. Being in the family of Christ, we are protected and saved through His blood. His precious blood, which was shed for the remission of all our sins. Because of that, we can look forward to a joyous family reunion in heaven.
THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY AHEAD!
atimetoshare.me 
Although we are scattered to the four winds, too, African American families still have these old fashion family reunions. It’s fascinating to see young folks two and three generations after you, that you don’t know, mingling with the extended family. Up until a few years ago, I was always interested in hanging out with the elders, now my generation (the Baby Boomers) is the elders; all of those folks from the Great Generation are gone. Time marches on whether we’re having fun or not.
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I enjoyed talking to the older generation as a child too. They always had amazing stories to tell. It was like entering a time machine.
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Wow‼️Kids- left to their own devices (literally) …
Who would’ve guessed 🤷🏾♀️😉
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LOL
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I’m so glad my daughter was blessed w/her first career job right here in STL. I (selfishly) pray that she will marry, and have her first child here- so that I can have easy access to my first Grandbaby.
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I was blessed to have all 3 of my grands in my town. One is now living with me. The other lives in Illinois and the last one is within ten minutes of me. Nothing like having my tribe nearby.
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I loved your list of “a real family.” I sent a copy of your post to some of my spiitual family members.
Thank you, Kathy! 😘
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Thank for sharing.
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My mother was into genealogy and family reunions, but she organized and called everyone. None of those families gets together anymore. But my Christian family meets for Sunday school every Sunday.
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I feel much the same about my church family. We are in the process of being without a pastor for the past six months. Decisions to merge with another church, to close the doors or to pushing forward without a shepherd are on our minds right now. My church is comprised of mainly 55+ Most are retired and nearing 80. There is a connection that holds us tightly together as a family. Pray for us.
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I will pray 🙏.
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Thanks😃
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