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Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I organized a family reunion last week which brought together my three siblings, their spouses and grown children in one place at one time. Our last proper reunion was twenty-five years ago, before our nieces and nephews were born, so this was a pretty big deal for us.
It was fun to learn more about my in-laws and my nieces and nephews through our conversations. I saw the playful interactions between cousins who rarely see each other. We canoed across Lake George, went swimming and played lots of chess. We made crafts, went hiking and played trivia. We swapped stories. The overall atmosphere was deep joy and belonging. Why does such a gathering provide unique encouragement and human connection?
Since I am now an elder, as my parents have died, I also sensed an invisible shifting in the extended family, as if the life stories of the family will now be made by the younger generation. Perhaps it was only Susan and me, but it felt like we were handing on the baton of living an interesting life to the next generation. I hope they run with it.
I am glad we did this. If you have the chance to organize one, I encourage you to do so.
Rev. Arden C. Strasser, Pastor
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