He appeared from nowhere and then reappeared again. I came to love the togetherness.
Togetherness with Family
Christmas break gave some of our grandboys extended time to stay with us for a few days here and there. But then, Saturday came. They had to return home to attend church the next day and prepare for school the following day. Neither of the two—the two who have stayed with us more than any of the other seven—were excited.
We picked up a few pizzas, headed for their house, and planned to eat and play a board game before leaving. The older of the two loves board games and played with us. The younger took off to the playroom and got on his iPad. The other two meandered about, doing first one thing and then another.
When the time came for us to leave, my wife and I made our Pop and Meme rounds, hugging, kissing, and telling each grandchild we loved them. As we walked down the back steps, the oldest grandson popped up and stood upon a large mound of dirt that had remained from the landscaping that occurred before they moved the mobile home on the property—their mountain, they called it. The one they begged their mom and dad not to level.
“Hello,” he called. We thought he was still in the house.
This grandson appeared again as we trekked down their driveway. He ran beside the van as we moved down the driveway and onto the dirt road that led to the highway—a good run for a preteen who doesn’t care much for the outdoors or exercise, but one who loves his Pop and Meme, although he rarely says it (He loves to pick at us by not saying it because he knows we want him to).
As we pulled onto the highway, I looked back to ensure he returned to his house. He slowly walked back but then turned around and waved at me one final time. I’ll never forget that look or the wave. It flooded me with memories of how I did the same when my favorite grandparents would visit my family when I was about my grandson’s age. I, too, saw them off and ran beside their car. Like my grandson, I loved the togetherness.
I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
~John 17:21 NLT
Togetherness with the Savior
Many years before any of us reading this were born, Jesus prayed for his followers’ togetherness. He wanted us to enjoy togetherness with him as he did with the Father and Spirit. The Trinitarian togetherness reflects the Christ-us fellowship Jesus desires.
No human relationship—no matter how close—can replace the togetherness feeling we get when we invite Christ into our lives, receive his forgiveness, and spend time fellowshipping with him now and into eternity.
Think of ways you can enhance your togetherness with your Savior.
Father, may I feel the essence of your presence with me daily. Let me love the togetherness.
Fun times that remind us of a faithful Father. Thanks for sharing, Martin.