3 Gifts of Reconnecting
After 75 hours of travel with COVID restrictions, 3 kids under the age of 5, and 8 bags, we landed in the U.S. for the first time in 3 years feeling stunned, excited, exhausted, and overwhelmed.
Returning to the U.S. after living in Asia for 3 years brought its challenges. Even though I was excited to reconnect with family and friends after such a long time, I was also anxious about being "home" in a place that's not home anymore and uncertain how my kids would handle the transitions. I left our home in Asia feeling both relieved and terrified.
But, God.
In the mixture of emotions, God is reminding me how He has gone before us and is constantly with us in this time of reconnecting. The amount of time we've lost or "missed out" on can feel weighty and leave me unsure where to start when catching up with old friends. But, God is providing these 3 gifts as I reconnect with others:
- Assurance that I'm where I'm supposed to be. It's easy to blame our circumstances for life's challenges or to believe that wherever we aren't or whatever situation we aren't currently in would be better. Through reconnecting with friends and family and sharing life struggles and stories, God has reassured me that we are where He has us. Life is not ever supposed to be easy, and the same struggles will be with us wherever God takes us. But, God's presence is constant and His purpose for where we are is specific and ever-present.
- Comfort that my family and I are not "lacking" anything. In Asia I often struggle with comparing or dwelling on what we, my children specifically, are missing out on. From play groups to Sunday school to group sports and even access to books and craft supplies, it's easy to feel like we're lacking many things. I'm sure that during the pandemic many in their usual communities felt this as well when events, activities, and gatherings closed. But, God is reminding me that we get to have special, yet different, things as a family because of where we live.
- Joy in recounting all that God has done. Recounting all that God has done in the past 3 years and hearing the highlights and miracles friends have experienced while we've been apart gives me great joy. Seeing old friends and family for the first time in a long time, whether because of physical distance or virus restrictions, is a beautiful opportunity to dwell on all of the good that has happened during the time apart. It's easy to get stuck in the day-to-day mess and monotony of life, especially when raising littles. Sometimes I forget to take a step back and notice the miracles, small or big, that God does. But, God is reminding me to remember and to recount what He has done throughout history to fulfill His promises.
As you reconnect with others, what are the gifts that you are receiving?
About the Author: Bethany is an IDEAS Associate, educator, classically trained pianist, and mother of 3 young boys. She and her husband have lived and taught in China for 5 years. Enjoy other blogs by Bethany, such as 6 Tips to Travel Internationally with Kids.