“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:35,36 (NIV)
Three years ago Jim and I heeded the Lord’s leading to move to
my home state of Pennsylvania after living across country for over 30
years. Reconnecting with extended family once again has been slow but I cannot expect relationships as I had before; for I was a child and now I am an adult who has lived most of her life without her extended family around her.
Though it has been slow reconnecting, there has been some
progress. I have been blessed to be able
to spend time with my 89 year old mother at least twice a month. Even though I have to talk loud and repeat
myself quite often, the time we are spending together will be forever embedded
in my heart and memory. I also know that
having her “baby” near her once again has brought my mother great joy in her
twilight years.
I have also been blessed by reconnecting with my sister and
her family. Our relationship has truly
become stronger these past three years.
It’s wonderful to know that I have a sibling who will always “have my
back” and be there for me in spirit, prayer, and in person. Oh and don’t get me started on connecting
with my grand-nieces and nephew! I have
the privilege to be the grandmother of the most wonderful 18 years old grandson
anyone could ever want or ever imagine.
To be the great-aunt to my sister’s much younger grandchildren brings
back wonderful memories of my precious moments with my grandson.
I am also connecting with my youngest 1st cousin
and his sweet family that live only a few miles from Jim and me. His wife, Renee has truly been a blessing to
me by giving of her time to help me with chores I am unable to do myself due to
my chronic illnesses. Most of all I
enjoy our special fellowship when we are together even though people think I’m Dave’s
aunt!
I have so many more relatives to connect with, but I know
that in time it will happen. Either way
I have learned that though I have lost over 30 years with my extended family,
it is never too late to reconnect. I am enjoying this new stage in our
relationships as we share how the Lord has blessed our families through the
years. I will persevere and know that in the end, God
will continue to bless me with precious relationships and cherished memories that
will last a life time.
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