Sweet flowers from my sweet little cousinToday we got to go see a ROTC graduation. These young soldiers who completed the Warrior's Forge were definitely awe inspiring. It sure seems a long time ago that I was that young and idealistic. It made me feel proud to be surrounded not only by our soldiers, but by their families that also give up so much. It felt comfortable in many ways to be on post again. The buildings were all so familiar. But as proud as I felt about the military tradition, I'm not always as optimistic about the political agendas that these brave men and women are directed by. This young man we were there to see, my sweetheart has known since he was two. Now he stands almost a foot and a half taller than him. I pray that God keeps him safe as he serves to keep me safe.
When I graduated from high school I finally got to spend time with my family down in CA. These are my dad's people and I fell in love with them. I was able to live with and among them for about 3 years. It was during that time that I came to be a person on my own, deciding who I wanted to be. Then I moved and finished school and then got married and started my own family. Thanks to Facebook, I have been able to reconnect with my cousins and feel close to them even though they are far from me. It is fun to see them interacting with their own families now that we are all grown.
This week, one of these cousins came up with her family and I really enjoyed having them visit. Our kids hit it off almost from the get go and I felt so comfortable with my cousin. I will admit that I was a bit nervous. It has been years since I visited with her. And because we as a family find ourselves so different from most, I wasn't sure what to expect. But it was fantastic. We had so much in common and even our sweethearts were best buds. I sometimes wish I was a little closer so I could develop relationships more. But I'm also glad that I don't have to deal with the drama and obligations that come with being so near.
During our conversations, I also was reminded how grateful I am to have a congregation that is a community. How wonderful it is to have a group of people who support us and help us to keep Torah and challenge us to keep studying God's word and always seek His will. Sometimes when we get to mired down by the relationship stuff, I forget that.
As I look back at this past week, I am blessed.
When I graduated from high school I finally got to spend time with my family down in CA. These are my dad's people and I fell in love with them. I was able to live with and among them for about 3 years. It was during that time that I came to be a person on my own, deciding who I wanted to be. Then I moved and finished school and then got married and started my own family. Thanks to Facebook, I have been able to reconnect with my cousins and feel close to them even though they are far from me. It is fun to see them interacting with their own families now that we are all grown.
This week, one of these cousins came up with her family and I really enjoyed having them visit. Our kids hit it off almost from the get go and I felt so comfortable with my cousin. I will admit that I was a bit nervous. It has been years since I visited with her. And because we as a family find ourselves so different from most, I wasn't sure what to expect. But it was fantastic. We had so much in common and even our sweethearts were best buds. I sometimes wish I was a little closer so I could develop relationships more. But I'm also glad that I don't have to deal with the drama and obligations that come with being so near.
During our conversations, I also was reminded how grateful I am to have a congregation that is a community. How wonderful it is to have a group of people who support us and help us to keep Torah and challenge us to keep studying God's word and always seek His will. Sometimes when we get to mired down by the relationship stuff, I forget that.
As I look back at this past week, I am blessed.
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