Reunions

Reunions seem to be a peculiar phenomenon in our culture. We go to class reunions. We go to family reunions. We go to organizational reunions. For some reason, we like to get together to remember and to renew our friendships our acquaintances. It is as though in this remembering we hope to find a piece of ourselves and others to share. And sometimes, we stay away because of old hurts and angers.

I had the opportunity to attend a reunion of the Navy Nurse Corps Association last week. It was an interesting experience. I looked forward to seeing old friends and learning of their adventures since we had been together doing the work we love in the service to a country we cherish and that happened many times. And then there was one woman who told me she had stayed away for many years. She had been so hurt by a former chief nurse that the thought of running into this person who had made her life miserable was unbearable. She carried a
large suitcase of bitterness. But she had come this year and sure enough she ran into her old nemesis.

Standing before her was a frail old woman bent with arthritis, “How do you stay mad?” she asked. Apparently reunions can level the playing field, too. Perhaps they can help us reconnect to ourselves by letting go of old hurts. As well as name tags and too much food, you can find moments of grace at reunions too. We do a sort of reunion every Sunday morning
when we gather for worship. We remember who we belong to and what our family name is.

We recall our history and what brings us together again. We are thankful for our many blessings. We are sorry for our transgressions and hear words of forgiveness and comfort. And we celebrate together around a wonder Table prepared for us out of God’s abundance. We are filled and our spirits renewed. We return to our work and homes only to come
again to remember next time. Some of you will be attending reunions over the summer months. Have fun!! These gatherings are meant to be enjoyable. There is a richness of
memories that can feed your spirit. And don’t forget to reunion with your Pohick family, too.

Jane+