Summertime is traditionally a time when families and friends get together for a reunion of one sort or another. There are all-school reunions, family reunions, class reunions, and even community wide reunions. Currently, my family is planning a "Cousins' Reunion. Reunions, whatever the occasion, can be a lot of fun, but not everybody may be looking forward to a reunion with eager anticipation and excitement.
Knowing that people will notice how we have changed physically-the receding hairline, bulging belly, widening hips, and wrinkles-gives us reason enough not to go. On top of that, any misunderstandings that may have strained relationships, things that we have said or done, or things that were said or done to us, can add up to plenty of good reasons (EXCUSES) not to attend a reunion.
I'll admit there's been times when I've not been all that excited to participate in any kind of get together. But I have come to enjoy reunions, because I realize that everyone else has aged as much as I have, and it's just plain fun to reconnect. I have also realized that reunions can provide us a great opportunity to restore and rebuild relationships with the people we have had challenges with in the past.
With the ongoing threat of war and future tragedies, there is no better time than the next reunion, to put aside all the differences, pettiness, and self-centeredness that may be causing strife, in order to take time to truly treasure family and friends. It is possible for adults to act like adults and show respect and interest in the lives of those we are connecting with again.
As for me I will attend and participate in all the reunions and family get togethers I possibly can. I want to seize every opportunity, as it may be the last. None of us knows what is just around the corner. Our families and our friends are so precious to us.
Let me challenge you today. Do not let anything or anybody get in the way of rebuilding and restoring relationships in your life and have a super summer!
