Live It Articles Reunion Celebration

Reunion Celebration...the joys and fears of going home... Millions of Americans will travel by every means of transportation to crowded cities, retreat centers, beaches and rural farms in order to reunite with family that they have not seen for a long time. These times of reconnecting can be filled with great excitement, anticipation, dread and anxiety. Reuniting with parents, siblings and distant relatives can bring back waves of memories of earlier experiences. Many will worry about how they look, what successes [or...?] of their children, and their current financial condition.

Jesus tells of a wonderful family reunion that had all of the drama that many face during times of going home again. He tells of a son that left home and had little contact with his family. Things did not go well for him in his attempt at independence and it took some real determination to go home defeated. He had a mixture of dread and anticipation. Even though embarrassed and humbled, he found that going home was a wonderful experience. "And he got up and came to his father. But while he was a long way off, his father saw him, and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him, and kissed him." Luke 15:20 [NAS] How to make your summer reunion a celebration:

1. Emotional Preparation

• There may be cause for some dread because of past hurts. If previous times with the 'reunion crowd' have been difficult, adjust your expectations. Don't think that things will be significantly different on this visit.
• Limit your time to a period that you think is appropriate and enjoyable. Even for those with relatively healthy families, there can be the possibility of overstaying.
• Plan for the kind of "space" that feels comfortable for you. That may include sleeping arrangements, times alone or flexibility of schedule.

2. Activity Preparation

• Plan to make this a special event. Making memories often takes forethought and coordination. For example it is a wonderful time to help the youngest of the family discover their positive heritage.
• Activities could include: Each family bringing photos of the past year's most significant events and post them on a display board; each family bring costumes for a fun family portrait; or perhaps the oldest members video their earliest memories of the family.
• Be prepared to make plans for any special foods required for the eating commitments you have made. Many reunions focus on "old fashioned" family dishes that were created when hard labor burned off heavy cream desserts and deep fried meats. Bring dishes that you will eat and others will enjoy.

3. Spiritual Preparation

• Homecoming can also have very significant spiritual implications. There is no family that loves to see a loved one return as much as does the family of God. That is the true meaning of the story that Jesus told of the returning troubled son and the loving Father. Perhaps this summer time will be a time to draw near to God's people and His ways.
• Use the reunion to be a time to reflect on how far you have come and what the journey has taught you about faith. Have you gotten where you wanted to go and become what you had hoped to become? Seek a place for 'spiritual' feasting this summer. In spite of the dread - be willing to "go home."
• Plan at least one "faith celebration" this summer. Go back to the place that most impacted you spiritually. Attend a workshop or conference that will encourage you spiritually. Volunteer in a faith activity. Travel to a church that you have always wanted to attend but had not made the time.
• Be faithful to your First Place commitments!!!

Don't just let reunions happen - plan to celebrate....

Dr. Bill Heston
University Chaplain,
Howard Payne University
Brownwood, Texas


Dr. William Heston was minister of pastoral care at Houston's First Baptist Church; clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and a marriage therapist licensed by the state of Texas. He has also led seminars at First Place Conferences.