I have been blessed to have a large family and lots of friends. Because my parents (pastor/missionaries) moved a lot when I was a child, I was blessed to make meaningful relationships all over the country. Like most people, many of my family and friends no longer live near me. With things like face book, it is fun to connect with many of them via the Internet. But, connecting with others via Internet, text, and even a phone call just isn’t the same as living life together with people. You know, sharing life together at church, in each others homes, and at other activities (kids sports, recitals, etc.). So there are days that I just miss sharing those moments with others.
Two of my sisters are both living in western Kansas right now. There are days I just wish we could pack up and move too. I want my kids to hang with their kids, I want to see my nieces and nephews grow and experience new things. I want to discuss God’s Word with my sister’s and their husbands. I want to serve in their community and church with them. Some days I just miss them.
My In Laws live in Indiana, and there are days I wish we lived near them. Days when I know my nieces and nephews are doing sports, and I want to go to the game. I want to discuss with them what books they are reading, and help them with their homework (not that they need it). I want to have my in laws over for Sunday dinner, and back yard fires. Oh, there are just those days that I miss them.
My closest childhood friend lives in Texas. She and her husband come back to visit in Michigan a couple times a year, but there is never enough time to visit everyone. Oh, I wish I could sit and have a cup of coffee with her and discuss how God is working in our kids lives. I want to encourage her and her husband as they wait to see where the Lord is taking them next in life. Oh, there are just those days I miss her.
Two of my closets friends both live in Cincinnati. They are both married and have children now. I wish I could just sit and watch their families interact. I wish I could get to know their husbands. Oh, how I wish I could sing and worship God with them again. There are days I think I could just get in the car and drive there for a visit. Oh, how I miss just sitting and sharing life with them both, through the good and bad days.
There is a church in Pennsylvania full of some of the most wonderful people God ever placed in my life. There are Sunday’s I just wish I could be there in the worship service with them all. Oh, how I miss them.
I could go on and on. There are cousins I miss, aunts, uncles, friends, there are even new online friends that I have never met in person, and yet I miss them too.
Maybe you have loved ones in life like that. Maybe some of the people you miss, like me, have died and are no longer even here on this earth. Maybe some of the people you miss are not so far away, but never have time to spend with you, or you with them. Life moves on, and it moves faster and faster as we get older.
Yes, I miss all of these people that God has blessed me to know. But, instead of sitting and missing them. I am going to celebrate those whom God has blessed me to be with today, and I am going to look forward to that glorious day when we will all be together in His Glory.
How about you? Are you focusing on those days gone by, or are you looking forward with anticipation to the day of the Lord? Are you celebrating the lives God has placed in your path today? Look around and rejoice. Today is the Day of the Lord.
So to all of you whom I miss dearly, I leave you with these words from Paul written to those he missed and loved.
Philippians 4:1, 4-9
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I am rejoicing in the Lord today that each of you are a part of my life. May He bless you richly today.
Katie, I would love to sit and visit with you too! I do have good news though, Jim found a job and will be starting Nov.1st!!! In the meantime he has been doing short term contract jobs for a couple different companies, so we have had no missed paychecks. God is providing! The new job is about 20 minutes from home, so that is closer than the last job. We are doing well besides that. I am mostly keeping busy raising these kids and taking care of the home. They are growing up fast!
Katie, I would love to sit and visit with you too! I do have good news though, Jim found a job and will be starting Nov.1st!!! In the meantime he has been doing short term contract jobs for a couple different companies, so we have had no missed paychecks. God is providing! The new job is about 20 minutes from home, so that is closer than the last job. We are doing well besides that. I am mostly keeping busy raising these kids and taking care of the home. They are growing up fast!
Ginger, what wonderful news. God truly is the great provider.