I had the privilege of spending a few days this summer with my whole family. For those marvelous July days we were all together: our grandkids, our kids, their spouses, and us “old folk”. Geographically we are spread across the country, so these reunions don’t happen very often. I think that only makes them a greater blessing.
I begin almost a year in advance, checking folks for their summer plans and schedules, searching for the time and place that will work for everyone. The family may not be coming to my home, but I still feel like the one who is “calling” them together, “calling” them home as a family for a few days. And when the reunion happens – I am overjoyed.

All of this “gathering home” reminds me of our heavenly Father. He has a place prepared for all of us. He “calls” us, He opens His arms to us, and He receives us into His home with great joy. Thinking about how complicated it seemed to get 14 people gathered together in the same place at the same time, I marvel at our heavenly Father’s ability to “call” all of us home – you, me, our families and friends, the generations before us, the generations to come after us – that’s a reunion beyond my comprehension.

The beauty of this heavenly reunion in more than we can fathom. We’ll be surrounded by those we love – but no one will develop a headache, no one’s feelings will be hurt, no one will be unable to eat what’s on the menu. It won’t be too hot and we won’t be rained out. It’s sounding better by the moment!    

A favorite old hymn comes to mind, one we used to sing when I was just a kid. It’s not in our current hymnbooks, but maybe a few of you remember it:

“I’m but a stranger here, heaven is my home;

Earth is a desert drear, heaven is my home;

Danger and sorrow stand, Round me on every hand;

Heaven is my fatherland, Heaven is my home.”

(Lyrics by Arthur S. Sullivan, First published in 1836)

Whether you’re gathering together with your family now, or longing for the day when you will be reunited with lost loved ones, remember that God loves you unconditionally – He is with you every moment of every day, and He prepares a special place in heaven just for you!

Judy