Reunions

 

     It was the best night. The old pictures stuck to our lapels contradicted the phrase of the evening, “You haven’t changed a bit.” Fifty year reunions bring about deep emotion. There was laughter, shared history, many of us friends since kindergarten. We grouped into junior high schools to take pictures. We are the baby boomers from South Minneapolis. We are the Teddies, the mighty, mighty Teddies.

     Our maroon and gold decorations, homecoming pins, our class president’s speech, made it seem as if we were back in 1973. Fifty years? I still don’t believe it. There, inside the doors of the banquet hall, where we couldn’t miss it, stood a table filled with candles and pictures of our classmates, gone too soon. A couple just recently, some the summer after high school.

     Life sneaks up on us like that. In the blink of an eye, it is 50 years later. In the midst of eating, drinking and being merry, something comes around the corner to stop you in your tracks. And you pause to think a little deeper, speak with your heart, remember where you came from and what means the most. You hug those old crushes and smile at the girl who made fun of you in junior high, treasuring old friends. It was the best night.

     The biggest reunion is yet to come. It’s getting a little bit closer for the class of 1973. Accepting Christ not only gives us a purpose and peace for this life, but a guarantee of a reunion in heaven. That reunion will never end. There will be joy and love and the deep conversations forever.

 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:5

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for these nights to treasure, for deep conversations, for a chance to reminisce. Teach us to savor each moment of this earthly life. It goes so fast. Let Your Holy Spirit wake us up to You and Your everlasting home.

Amen