Moving to Tennessee to be closer to our daughter meant being farther away from our parents. We would be closer to one of Scott’s sisters by 8 driving hours but farther from the rest of our siblings. This meant it would be harder to visit the rest of the families.
When our kids were younger, Scott’s siblings and their family would get together for holidays at their parents’ place. Then one had a family in another state, so they didn’t join every holiday gatherings. Then another sibling moved to the other side of the state and another to the middle of the country. So not everyone shows up for the holidays anymore.
Visiting my side of the family required plane tickets so we didn’t visit as often. We made a point to visit at least every other year after I talked with my niece for the first time and she didn’t know her mom had a sister.
As mentioned in the post, “Huge Family,” believers are a part of a huge family. So, when we visit Scott’s parents, we also spend some time visiting our Christian family from our college days by attending the service and Friday night activities. We still attend the Bible study through Zoom when we can’t be there in person.
As our parents are much older, visits are mostly to check on how they are doing. We’re trying to visit on happier occasions like a milestone birthday or anniversary instead of when one has been in the hospital.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the families you’ve given us. Help us to strengthen our relationships whether by being there in person or by phone or online. Bless the coming and goings of our loved ones far and near.
In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.
Verses
Psalms 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity
Hebrews 10:25 Let us not neglect our meeting together
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather together, I am there among them
Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother
Song
“Rejoice” by Keith & Kristyn Getty is a song that came up in a search and the video had families doing life. Let me know if there’s a better song for this post.
Call to action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then plan to visit a family member you haven’t seen in a while and let us know how the visit went.