reunion

The dictionary defines reunion as an instance of two or more people coming together again after a period of separation; or a social gathering attended by members of a certain group of people who have not seen each other for some time. 

I have just returned from such a gathering. Family from near and far journeyed to the green mountains of Vermont.

Twenty-seven members of my family on my mother's side met for three days of family time.  Stories were told, memories were shared, and many questions were asked and most answered as recall allowed.

Resemblances of features and personalities stood out. Ages were from 6 to 83. There were activities onsite, down the road a few miles, within walking distance, and some a short drive away.

Much of the time we just sat, talked, laughed and shared. It was quiet and boisterous joy.

I joined what a friend called the 76 years old club during this reunion.  I definitely have my singular perspective of this time together, remembering the times and the family members who came before; and of the influence we may or may not see at each part of our life journey.  This physical coming together gives a new depth to my perspective and I am renewed and I rejoice in it.

home

Is it possible to "go home again"?
And what is the home to which we aspire to return?
Just what is HOME?

I traveled recently to my birthplace. With enormous interest in a project a museum curator in northwest Colorado is undertaking, my sister and I returned to Colorado for a few days.

We were both born in Colorado, but neither of us live there now. My sister yearns for Colorado, her home. I've been thinking about what I call home these days. It isn't Colorado.  I love that I was born and raised there, and my heart and soul are touched deeply when I return.  But I don't really yearn for it.

After I returned I spent some time thinking about where I call home.  Colorado is where I'm from. Texas is where I was for several decades.  And now Georgia is where I live, and where I call home.  It helps that the part of Georgia in which I live is in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and that it has always felt like being in the Colorado mountains.  The word "in" here means when one drives up into the Rockies and is not standing miles back viewing them. But I had not actually called this place my home until I returned from Colorado and spent some time thinking about home.

I did love being back in the Colorado mountains.  Their beauty puts a smile on my face, a lump in my throat, and a hum in my soul.

And I absolutely loved the joy my sister experienced.  There was a smile on her face, and little lilt in her step.

I think the issue here may be how to find home where you are. I see myself holding my home of origin as a place that formed me. Now that I live elsewhere, I am called to make this home. And so I pretty much do so, but still, at times there is longing in my heart for more.

Maya Angelou says: "I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself."

In "Home" Rachael Sage sings: 

      Home is where you’re taken in

      Fearlessly breathing with the wind
      Home is where you set your spirit down
      I’m at home in all this beauty
      Everything about it moves me
      I may be from another place but home’s where I am now
      Where I am now.

breathe

I'm caught up in a song these days. I listen to it over and over. When driving. When in the dentist chair for hours. And just today, while flying. I love the melody and the singer's voice. But mostly I love the words.

"I want to wake up;
See where I'm going, yeah
Chase what I'm dreaming;
Run away till I out run all my pain
I swear I pray everyday
But still nothing's changing
Feels like my life might need rearranging
You say that You're here and right now is a test of faith

So open up my heart and have Your way
I'm sinking in my thoughts so pull me from the waves
My head's above the water. You're my sweet escape
I need you just so I can breathe
Now I can breathe, Hey I can breathe
I can breathe, I need you just so I can breathe

You said this feeling
Would only last for a season, yeah
But I'm still here and I'm wondering
Why I'm not the same
I prayed every day
That's when You changed me
I'm not the same cause You rearranged me
You said You were here--that was my test of faith"

So open up my heart and have Your way
I'm sinking in my thoughts so pull me from the waves
My head's above the water. You're my sweet escape
I need you just so I can breathe
Now I can breathe, Hey I can breathe
I can breathe, I need you just so I can breathe

La'Porsha Renae

I'm not certain just whom is being sung about. An individual, or God. I think I hear both. But I'm drawn more to it being a call to God. "Feels like my life might need rearranging"; then "I'm not the same because you rearranged me."

I know about feeling like rearranging is in order. I also know about going through rearrangement. Actually, I'm in the midst of it. I have all kinds of help. All listen to my words and my heart. And I am helped. Yet, there is another listener I'm learning to speak to. And then to listen in the presence. Then I can breathe.