Together…
Ugh… thinking about this world is making me feel guilty. At this stage of life, my husband and children and I are together a lot… but I realize that many of these times we are not REALLY together. We may be in the same room, but zoned into different things. Or maybe one or two people are interacting while the rest are doing something individually. Light bulb moment--- start making the together times really count!
This past week I learned of the passing of a pure-hearted and kind man whom I did missionary service with almost 20 years ago. I don’t think anyone that ever met him did not instantly LOVE him. At middle age he leaves a wife and four young children (quadruplets!) for a time. My heart breaks when I think about how this family must yearn with all their being just to be together with their husband/father one more time. Yet, the harsh realities inherent to mortal life dictate that they must wait an earthly lifetime before they are reunited.
I will sit down to dinner with each of my family members tonight. I must treasure this time. My oldest is 14, and I know that in just a few short years she will be in spreading her wings in college. I won’t have the chance to knock on her bedroom door in the evening and find out how she is doing. And my 12 year old son will likely go on to do missionary service (maybe even a half a world away) in just 6 years. I won’t be able to invite him to ride with me to the store and look into his mind and heart as we travel. Sigh…
I am grateful for the chance to reflect on the word “together.” It stings a bit to realize how much I am taking for granted the together time my family is blessed with right now. But I’m glad for the reminder to more intentionally connect and share while I have my babies under the same roof.
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