Family Reunions and All the Feels

Vonyee K. Carrington

Isaiah 58:12 (KJV) – “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”

Have you ever attended a family reunion? Did you feel excitement, or did fear take the lead? I’ve felt both. This year, I attended two very different reunions—each stirring emotions I hadn’t expected.

The first was with my estranged grandfather’s family. I went alone. My mom, sister, and cousins couldn’t make it. The last time I attended, we went together, meeting new relatives and sharing old stories—but this time, the thought of walking into that space by myself sent fear tap dancing on every nerve. Still, I went.

It had been twelve years since that side of the family had gathered. As I drove to Orlando, questions filled my mind: Would anyone remember me? Would I find the courage to bridge old gaps? Would I finally learn the missing pieces of my family’s story?

But when I arrived, anxiety gave way to anticipation. God steadied my heart. My mother’s words echoed in my mind: Always acknowledge those you meet—especially those who look like you. So I smiled at strangers who just might be family.

Not long after checking in, I met a woman I thought I recognized. She led me to a group of four ladies—three older women and one younger one. When I introduced myself, one asked, “Is Mary L___ coming?” I explained that my mother couldn’t make the trip. They exchanged glances before introducing themselves. To my surprise, they were my mother’s younger sisters—and her niece. My aunts. My family. In that moment, I realized I wasn’t just discovering relatives—I was uncovering restoration.

The second reunion was of a different kind—a literary family reunion. Again, I arrived alone, feeling those same flickers of fear. But soon, I found my way, met fellow book lovers, and felt that same thread of connection. We shared stories, encouragement, and laughter. Different setting, same feeling: belonging.

Both reunions overflowed with love, laughter, and the discovery of shared identity. Whether connected by blood or by passion, we were knit together by something divine. As I reflected later, one word rose above all others—LOVE.

Jesus said in John 13:34–35, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you… By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Loving others isn’t easy. It requires courage—to face old wounds, to risk vulnerability, to forgive freely. It means loving even when the past whispers reasons not to. Yet Jesus calls us to love anyway—to guide, to forgive, to accept, to restore. Because love is the family resemblance of God’s children.

When we choose love over fear, connection over avoidance, forgiveness over resentment—we become repairers of the breach and restorers of paths to dwell in.

And one day, all our earthly reunions—imperfect and incomplete—will point to the ultimate Family Reunion in heaven. There, every wound will be healed, every secret exposed to light, every broken relationship made whole. There will be no fear, no dysfunction, no distance—just the radiant joy of God’s children gathered together at last, one family made perfect in His love.

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Your Turn:

When was the last time you attended a family reunion? Were you excited or hesitant? Have you avoided someone because of past hurt—or been avoided because of your faith? If so, will you choose love and restoration, knowing they’re glimpses of the eternal reunion waiting for us in heaven?

Prayer:

Father God, as I navigate my family relationships, give me the courage to love like Jesus. Help me forgive freely and stop nursing old wounds. Heal my heart and let my words bring peace and restoration. Thank You for the promise of the ultimate Family Reunion, where we will be united forever—whole, healed, and home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.