My wife’s been gone for a week spending time with our daughter and her family in Phoenix. When you have two boys under six and another on the way, you welcome a helping Mimi.

I pick Julie up at the airport today. I’m ready for her to be back home. Ready for conversation and companionship. Someone to share meals with. Someone to add warmth to a kingsize bed.

Reunions aren’t defined by how long the absence. They’re more about how deep the relationship.

Right or wrong I’m not one for high school reunions. Never attended. I had friends in high school. But I don’t feel a tug to reunite with them. Other relationships have taken their place.

Family ones of wife and children and grandchildren. Mother and brothers. In-laws of various branches.

Friends formed in my 20s and 30s and beyond. Folks I’ve shared life and death, funerals and parties.

Some I’ll see again in the weeks or months ahead. Some I won’t see until I’m seeing Jesus.

The resurrection from the dead is God’s great reunion gift. Bringing together all who are dear to Him. Gathering up all who are part of His family through faith in Jesus. 

His way of ensuring the joy of reunions never ends.

I enjoy spending time with those near and dear to me. I want them to always be part of my life.

That’s one of the selfish reasons I want them to know Jesus. Conversation and companionship and celebrations. 

Without the funerals.