Three keys to surviving a week long family reunion were:
1) Laugh at myself.
This can be hard for someone like me, who takes life seriously. Oh, but family knows our weakness and mistakes so it is laugh or be miserable. Laughter is the better option.
2) Above all else guard my heart.
Proverbs 4 :23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” This was my motto this week. Guarding my heart from bitterness was of utmost importance. Each day I purposed to sneak away and renew my strength by soaking in God’s word. With God’s strength, the reaction to be easily offended was resisted and replaced with love.
3) Pray for those who irritate me.
Amidst the laughing and protecting my heart I still managed to notice some irritating things about those around me. Instead of meditating on these, I chose to lay them at my Savior’s feet. It is amazing how my heart changes while praying. (this is the reaction I hope others have with me, please pray for me)
Overall we had a wonderful week! God is so good. The weather was perfect which relieved many entertainment and sleeping issues. Food flowed abundantly, no weight loss this week. Travel was safe. There was only one fever and one sore throat for a group of twenty-seven. Lots of fish caught. Sun tans all around! Truly a wonderful weeklong family reunion!