Reunions

Holidays are a time of family and friend gatherings; around a loaded table, a game board, a movie. Some gatherings have reunion feel because someone has been missing around the table for a year, maybe much longer.

Circumstances were perfect for us to stay with my brother and his wife over the holidays.  In years past, their home has been full of kids returning.  Bad weather in the upper mid-west has delayed or stopped travel home.  Some years we had our kids and grands at our house and didn't travel.  Our time together, just the two couples, was refreshing and fun.  We reconnected on a personal level that isn't possible in group gatherings.

This last week I had a reunion with a long-time friend and sister in Christ. We attended the same church for many years and served in a women's ministry together.  We laughed, cried and struggled together with other precious women.

One of our friends indirectly brought us together again across the miles. Lisa had fought the good fight against breast cancer.  She lost her life but gained heaven, her eternal home with Jesus and the ultimate in reunions!  Peg called me with the news about Lisa then we set up a lunch date.

Oh what a sweet time we had together as the faithful waitress poured cups of coffee and glasses of water.  When the lunch crowd came in, we found a coffee shop and continued our catching up.  We had what I call a delightful, life-giving 'chin wag'!

She is a published author and amazing artist embarked on further development and marketing of her works.  It's a sticking point with most artists.  In marketing her art, putting it out there for all to love or criticize, she is learning that she is the only one who can market herself.  That is an uncomfortable personal journey for most artists.  Sensitivity makes most artists who they are and is what creates so much inner chaos.  Am I good enough?  Can I make a profit?  Will anyone buy my works of art?  Shouldn't I simply give away what God has given me?  or is it selfish to want to charge people for what is a piece of my soul?

She listened as I talked about my struggle to write a book that hasn't seen the light of day for years.  And asked questions that made me think about my attitude toward my art.  I came away with four encouragements to take action on.

~ Take hold of what is already in your hand; finished works
~ Find a tribe of writers for support and feedback
~ Heart and soul healing first
~ Worship, worship, worship the Lord!

I reluctantly left my friend with my soul full and her prayers for God's good plan carrying me home!  And best of all, her offer to get together on a regular basis to help me keep writing and mutual encouragement.  I love reunions!  Can't wait to see her again in a couple of months!

Reunions are God's blessing!
Nancy B