But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.
As my children are growing up, we are fortunate to live near their grandparents and my brother, Bill, and his family. Getting together for birthdays and holidays is never a problem. Nor are frequent overnight stays with Nana and Grandpa or visiting with cousins.
This is so opposite from my own upbringing. We live in Georgia, but our entire extended family resides in Massachusetts. Because of the distance and the cost, we can only visit once a year for about two weeks during the summer.
All too short a time. But, for me, jam-packed with precious memories.
So, I am endlessly grateful to have a loving, extended family close at hand for son, Daniel, and daughter, Sarah. What a blessing!
But, my, how things have changed . . .
While most of the family still lives within striking distance, Bill and his wife pull up roots several years ago and move to the Georgia coast. It's a good six-hour drive from where we live. Needless to say, though my brother is often back up this way due to the nature of his business, he is on business. And, we can't get together.
This past year, we plan to gather everyone for a reunion; first, for Thanksgiving, then for Christmas and my dad's birthday. One circumstance after another stands in the way. We make every effort.
But, it doesn't happen.
We do manage to have Danny's mom, my parents, and, of course, the kids to Thanksgiving. But, without Bill and his family, it just isn't the same.
While we may be physically separated, however, my thoughts and prayers are always with them.
Here's hoping that 2012 will bring us that marvelous reunion we need and desire!
~
Do you live near family, or are you separated by long distances?
Will you pray with me?
We give thanks today, Father, for all our family members, near and far. We pray that You would bless and keep them. Help us to remember that, no matter the distance apart, the bonds of love between us can never be broken. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 50, (59, 60) or 114, 115
Exodus 34:1-17
1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
Matthew 5:21-26
Martha, My husband and I took our children and moved away from both our families in MA, back in 1989. Over the years I have tried to visit as often as possible and keep in touch, but as time moved on the phone calls got less and less. We still love one another, but the distance has taken its toll.
ReplyDeleteMy father-in-law passed a couple of months ago, so Mike and I are planning an extended visit to MA this summer. I'm quite excited.
We're from Worcester County, he's from the suburbs and I'm a city girl.
Where are you from?
XOXO
Thanks so much for stopping by, Leah!
DeleteMy extended family, for the most part, resides in the Fairhaven/New Bedford/North Dartmouth areas of MA. It's been years since I've been up there; stopped going after my grandparents passed . . .
Where is Worcester County?
I'm glad you are getting to take an extended vacation to the home place this summer. How exciting! :)
Blessings!
I grew up living like in the same apartment building with most of my aunts, uncles & cousins. One of my uncles owned it. Then when I was 10 we moved to Maine and slowly most of the rest of the family moved there as well, over a few years time. That was a rough time where lots of things changed as we were all very close. Ohh I was born in Rhode Island. Now of course I am no where close to my family outside of my husband, Japan is a LONG ways away from the states. I've not lived close or near my family in almost 10 years I'd say, the military moves us around but this is the farthest I've ever been from them all.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for dropping in today, RoseAnn!
DeleteWow! What a neat experience to grow up with so many relatives around you. I find it fascinating that family members followed your lead and moved to Maine just to keep that closeness.
I know the military life can't be easy at times with all the moving involved. And, yes, I'm sure Japan feels like a million miles away . . .
Blessings!
It's always hard being separated from family, Martha. Our extended family (uncles, aunts and cousins) is spread over different continents and that makes it hard for everyone to get together. Jose has no immediate family - his parents have passed on and no siblings. At the end of this week, both of us join my parents and brothers, sister-in-law and kids for a holiday together. We're so looking forward to the nine of us being together.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by today, Corinne!
DeleteOh, that sounds like a marvelous gathering! I know you will all have a great time.
Yes, so hard to be separated by distance, but, continents? Wow! Most difficult.
Blessings!
I think this is a title of another great song :)
ReplyDeleteI actually live with my parents right now.My relatives live nearby. We have reunion with my dad's family when there are special occasions like Christmas or birthdays. I hope this tradition does not die. It's slowly fading away though ever since my grandmother died.
But I live with what St. Paul said, 'we made every effort to see you.' I think our desire to see each other and to be with each other should be rekindled :)
I pray with you. I pray that we could spend quality time with each other. Most of the time, we refuse to see someone because of old grudges, and I do pray for forgiveness. Time is of the essence and all we have is now.
Thank you Martha. This post allowed me to see the value of belonging to a family :)
Yes, Melissa, one done by Marie Osmond here in the States! We would probably do well on a "Name That Tune" show! Lol!
DeleteI am so glad, my friend, that this post made you think about the value of family. Yes, mine harbors some grudges, too, but they seem to fade away when all are together and celebrating a special occasion. Loving, sharing, and appreciating one another always outweighs bad feelings when we ask God to help us forgive and ask others to forgive us.
Thanks so much for visiting, my dear, and for praying with me.
Blessings always!