Reunions: Joyful Exhaustion

Joyful Exhaustion. Or maybe … Exhausting Joy.

That’s the only way I can think to describe how the college reunion left me. I don’t remember being so exhausted by pure joy, except at the birth of my children. So much joy, it wore me out! And left me wanting more!

Even now that I’m back home, I keep reliving the rush of delight at seeing precious faces – no longer as young but somehow the same – and the waves of pleasure at hearing voices and laughter almost forgotten but somehow knit deep in my heart.

And the faith stories!!! A virtual kaleidoscope of His provision and redemption and rescue and faithfulness kept unfolding in vivid colors of grace. How God provided enduring faith though the births and deaths of babies, parents and grandchildren, and also of dreams and relationships. Over these many years He has provided financially, relationally, emotionally, and physically. Through lonely nights and wearisome days He has been near, weaving sweet refreshment through the hard inevitabilities of this world. However disillusioned we might be with people or jobs or church – we are not disillusioned with Jesus. He has been everything He promised to be.

The tidal wave of reminders of God’s past faithfulness washed over me – caught me off guard. I didn’t expect to be impacted as deeply as I was. It was almost too much to take in all at once. I can only conclude that His goodness to give us those supportive relationships at such a pivotal time in life was generosity beyond measure. And then to refresh us by allowing us to reconnect so many years later is like a sample taste of the Real World. Only our loving God could have orchestrated such sweet togetherness, such an enduring common bond.

I came home gripped anew by the certainty that we are going to LOVE Heaven.

And I also came home confident that the practice of remembering His faithfulness throughout the chapters of our faith stories is a vital exercise. One we need to practice often. And if we have the chance to remember with those who lived the story with us, so much the better! We will walk more confidently into the unknown future if we have a clear view of His faithfulness in the past!

Until we can enjoy one another again face-to-face I’m praying that we remember to sing the song that tells us: He Will Hold Us Fast. [You can listen HERE.]