The reunion

For some reason, the word 'reunion' has been consistent in my life lately. 

     For one, my 10-Year Class Reunion (yes, do the math) is this coming weekend in Hutchinson.  I'm on the planning committee so we have been organizing all the 'fun' stuff for that.  I've been cracking myself up at all my old pictures and memorabilia that I've been digging out.  Here's a few for you to get a laugh out of...

   

I distinctly remember leaving the house with my belly button covered and as soon as I got to my friend's house, pulling the bottom down 'just a tad'.  By the way things look, two piece dresses were the hit!

Can we say "freshman year?"  What was I thinking with those glittery hose??

     In addition, I have been following the adoption journeys of many of the families through Reece's Rainbow and I've viewed SO many tear-jerker video's of the first time a family is united with their little child.  It is almost a 'reunion' for the adoptive family because they have seen snapshots of the child's life through pictures people send when visiting the orphanage.  They read up about the region the child is from and familiarize themselves with his/her culture and way of life.  They learn about the care the child receives at the orphanage, they learn about the child's birth parents, his/her medical records, and as much about his/her previous life as is available through this process...but nothing is equivalent to that first time the child is placed in the adoptive parent's arms and hugged and squeezed. (for what is the first 'hug' this child may have ever experienced)  

It is a joyous time.  A time of 'mixed' emotions. A time of happiness of what the future holds for this child.  A time of sadness at the realization of the conditions this child has lived in.  A concern about the unknown.  

But at just that moment, words can't describe it.  See for yourself...

Or go here to see more if you are like me and just can't get enough of these videos and pictures.

And finally, the last reunion on my mind.
As I was reading in Isaiah this morning I found myself crying tears of joy in Chapter 35..the title of the chapter?    Joy of the Redeemed
In the chapter before, a bleak picture is painted of what Judgment day will be like on Earth.  When God returns and takes vengeance on the sin in the world.  It speaks of the stars in the sky being dissolved, the skies rolling up like scrolls, the land will be drenched with blood and the dust will be soaked with fat.   But then...those who have been redeemed will walk the highway known as "Way of Holiness."  No lion will be ferocious there,"the redeemed will enter Zion with singing, everlasting joy will crown their heads.  Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away."
I can't even begin to wrap my head around what it will feel like to experience everlasting joy and gladness.  What a day!
    ..but as I try to even imagine what that will be like..
I can't.

Again, no words can describe it.