Family Reunions...An Opportunity to be Challenged

"If anyone believes in me, 
rivers of living water will flow 
out from their heart. 
That is what the Scriptures say.”  
John 7:38

We spent the day with our family for the annual family reunion. It was beautiful weather, delicious food, and a lot of great conversations. This is a day we look forward to for many reasons. From our favorite dish of "x" that only Auntie Soandso can make to the visits of relatives who live miles, states, and coast away from home now. 


In addition to the "reunion" aspect of the gathering, this is also an opportunity to be challenged. I know, I just said it is a day to look forward to and it is, but at the same time, we face our truest and most honest critics...our family. 


Family is fantastic. I am blessed with a few wonderful families. The one one God delivered me to forty-one years ago, the one I joined when I married my husband, and my church family. All three are lovely and all three help to make me who I am. I cherish them all.


Today's picnic was with my husband's family, now my family too. The reason I say reunions can be a time to be challenged is because we only see most of these people once a year. They remember me as "Lisa, Ed's wife" of last year or maybe five years ago, depending on when they joined in the festivities last. Thankfully I am not the person I was last year yet this is who others remember me to be. Had you thought about this before? 


Each time we attend a family reunion or other annual event, we have an opportunity to witness the changes in our lives through our thoughts, words, and deeds. A lot can happen in a year's time. 


Last year I was praying to have my book published, this year I have a tentative release date. Last year I had ten less pounds than this year and hopefully next year I'll have thirty less pounds. Last year it rained and we were confined under the pavilion, this year the weather was perfect and everyone was scattered around the park. 


Last year I...., this year I..... How would you fill in the blanks? In 2005 I could have said, "Last year I lived for myself but today I live for God and aim to make better decisions." A transformation like this doesn't end the first year we start believing. Each year we should be growing and striving to be more like Jesus 


Family reunions are an opportunity to be challenged. Are we living and modeling the person we proclaim to be to others? Do we take time to share how God is working in our life with family we don't see throughout the year? Are we seizing every opportunity to share where our strength comes from and why we do the things we do?


Today was a blessing. I was overwhelmed with hugs and words of congratulations and celebration for my book's release in April 2013. I fought tears a few times. It touched my heart beyond words to know my family, the one God blessed me with through marriage, loves me so much. Of course I knew they did yet today was the cherry-on-top of their love and support to me. 


I pray we look at each day as a challenge. The world tells us it is okay to live, speak, and be one thing while the Bible and God call us to something more beautiful and true. If we are not challenged, then we might want to "check ourselves at the door" because our compass is off and we need to get back on course. 


Carpe Diem - Seize the day!
Don't wait for a family reunion, everyday is an opportunity to be challenged. How will you respond!


Hugs, love, and thanks to my precious families!


What is your favorite part of reuniting with family at such an event? Are you seizing opportunities to show how God has changed you on a daily basis or are you waiting for the reunion? Don't wait, you don't know what tomorrow holds.