Have you longed for a visit from a relative? Did you anxiously await their arrival, looking down the road for their vehicle? Were you sitting on the front porch to greet them the moment they arrived? Or were you going about your normal routine and merely glancing up periodically?
When we have not seen a brother or sister or parent or cousin of ours in a long while, we may look forward with longing toward their visit. We likely feel the anticipated joy before they arrive. We may imagine the smiles and hugs and catching up on all their news and sharing ours.
My mother’s side of the family has a family reunion every year. Those of us who arrive a little early guess who will be there this year and always watch the road to see the vehicles coming in. Some vehicles we know and others we don’t. We anticipate the smiles and hugs and the sharing of stories. We know we will hear about health issues but also joys of new children or grandchildren.
Isaac was in the field, working the land. He knew his father’s servant had gone to find him a wife but did not know when he would return with her. As he looked up, perhaps giving his back a break, he sees camels heading his way. His heart likely leapt in his chest. He may have been joyous or hesitant or both. He may have been trusting God to provide the right wife for him and thanking God for bringing her safely to him.
We can react in different ways to reunions and visits. Ultimately, it is our choice. It doesn’t have to be merely a reaction but a decision. We can be negative or positive. We can complain or joyous. This is true about everything we experience. We have the option to decide how we will feel. Isaac chose to rejoice and accept God’s gift. May we choose to do the same.
I pray we all choose to positive when we reunite with family. I pray we decide to rejoice in God’s gift. I pray each one of us accept God’s gift of today and the experiences he gives us. Be positive. Rejoice in God’s gift. Know that today is a gift. Accept God’s experiences. Thank God for each one.
Genesis 24:63 Isaac went out in the evening to walk in the field, and, looking up, he saw camels coming.
Marty Pressey 