This past weekend I attended two different reunions on the same day. My first reunion was a family reunion on my Mom’s side of the family. I felt like a lot of these folks had known a different version of me when I was a young kid all the way until now. They know me, but I don’t live near them. They hear of me through my parents, siblings or on social media.

The other reunion was similar but quite different. I had not laid eyes on many of these people for over 40 years. That was a bit stunning, because they looked like they had aged! JOne of the first persons I met I looked squarely in the eyes and recognized him. I met others whom I had to just admit that I didn’t recognize. Some were honest with me and admitted that they didn’t know who I was. One special moment for me was when one of my classmates, who is a pastor gave thanks to the Lord for our food, and our evening together. When he finished his prayer and said AMEN, it was like the very Spirit of God was in that place through the people gather there.  That blessed me and my wife as well.

I am different. I see life a lot different than I did way back when. I hope that I’m kinder and more patient than I was back then. I also need contact lenses/glasses (bifocals at that) to literally see.  I am closer to 60 than 16. I am in most circles “mature” or otherwise known as OLD. I look different. I don’t hear as well. I have five kids, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren.

I want to quote the famous philosopher, Pocahontas – “What I love most about rivers is you can’t step in the same river twice. The water’s always changing, always flowing.”

It will take me a bit longer to process the emotions – positive and realistic that I felt this past weekend. I am thankful for so many people who have been connected with me for a long time. I’m thankful for the people who remember me way back when I was a different version of myself and they still like me and call me their friend.  I’m also thankful for the people I live with and work with day in and day out in my adopted home town of Carrollton, GA. I am who I say I am because the Lord is Who He says He is.

I hope to stay a bit more connected to my past friends so that I can learn about the version of themselves that they’re becoming too! Reunions are great reflecting points for sure, not measure tools. I’m not the same guy and it’s not the same river!

Pressing  On!

Dwayne