Some of us live minutes, hours, or a few days from home. There are others of us that live many states away, countries away, or even oceans away from home? I have several friends from Siberia, Brazil, Africa, Canada, and other countries who have made tremendous sacrifices to be in the United States, get an education and gain opportunities for work and progression in life. These amazing people have to endure the pain of living very far from home and those
they love...shout out to these amazing individuals!!!
But however far the distance we live from home, it is hard! This morning as I got up early to make the 10 hr drive back to Provo after visiting for Thanksgiving, my four year old brother Calvin came into my room. He begged me to just stay home and spend some more time playing with him. It was hard to explain to him that I had to go back to work. It hurt to drive away though I felt a greater love and appreciation for the few days I had with them for Thanksgiving. If you live near family and can see them on a regular basis, cherish those moments you get to be with them because that is a precious gift not all of us enjoy.
Despite the distance there are a few things we can do to still find joy living far from home! Not only can we cherish those few small moments we have with our family in person, but we can also develop friendships where we live to help to fill our need for connection and we can consistently show our family our love by reaching out to them through social media!
Those friend that live super far from home have kindled deep friendships that help them feel supported. I know that while at BYU-Idaho I found people that were searching for others that they could connect with. Some of these people have become such blessings in my life These connections are lifelines when we are passing through hard trials or soaring heights in life and we want someone to be there with us. I am thankful for those amazing people I have found these friendships with while far from my family!
What a joy it also is that we can connect through social media and send love to family from afar! I don't know if I fully appreciate the blessing it is to FaceTime my family when I please. Only 20 years ago it cost money to call someone out of state and 50 years ago you could only write letters months at a time! The fact that I was in Guatamala and could facebook messenger FaceTime my family was amazing while walking the streets!!! Modern technology (though it hasn't changed everything) has helped this "far from home" struggle to be easier for all of us if we take advantage of it. After all, love is spelled T.I.M.E. and that time can be spent on the phone!
All I hope to express today is that no matter where your family lives and how often you see them, you can appreciate the little moments in person and through social media. Whether we are away for school, work, or other reasons any family time or friendship is a gift from God that should be cherished and not taken for granted!
Challenge: Each day this week text or call a different family member to express what you love about them and your appreciation for them!
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