Across the Miles
Across the Miles
This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12)
When my husband, our children, and I moved four years ago, I wanted to make staying in touch with my family a priority. When we first moved away from my hometown, I thought we would be able to travel back and forth between my parents’ home and our new location, a three-hour drive. But with rising gas prices and an uncertain economy, I soon found that those weekend visits weren’t going to happen as often as I had hoped. So I decided to find ways to keep in touch inexpensively.
I now make it a point to e-mail and phone my parents and siblings regularly. I also send them text messages and pictures. It helps them feel like they are a part of our everyday lives. Having my kids stay in touch with their grandparents is pretty simple too. I just have the kids call them frequently. Not only do those calls brighten my parents’ day, but it also helps my children feel connected to their grandparents.
No matter where you live, you can make a conscious decision to stay close to those you love. In Hebrews 13:1 we are told to “let brotherly love continue.” Staying in contact even when you live far away can help those family bonds stay strong.
Although nothing beats seeing your family face-to-face, you can still find ways to connect with one another. Receiving a phone call, picture, letter, or e-mail can be a real blessing to family members. Don’t underestimate the significance of taking time out of your busy schedule to stay in touch with loved ones. Sometimes a little creativity and planning can make a difference in someone else’s day.