It's Never Too Late

“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 1^st 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.