MY PERSONAL LAMENT

This post will be brief, but I have an age-old question:  WHY DO SOME FAMILIES HAVE TO LIVE FAR APART? 

I ask this because our two married daughters live in Arizona and Georgia, and we live in North Carolina.  Sometimes it is so hard because we miss them, their hubbies, and the grandchildren SO MUCH.  We got used to the empty nest--then along came the grandchildren, and now, we just see them once in awhile because of distance, schedules, and a little thing called work.  They are growing up and we are not really a part of their lives!

I know the answer: because the Lord has seen fit to move them to where they are, and they are doing well.  They are well adjusted, happy families, for which we are truly thankful.  But as we parents get older, it is easier to have a pity party for ourselves since we are no longer in the center of things.  Grandparents, you know what I'm talking about:  we are now somewhat off to the side in life, whereas when our children were growing up, we were front and center.  Personally, I don't like taking a back seat, but it's time.  I must pursue other things, which I am doing to the best of my ability.

But a grandma CAN MISS THE FAMILY without being bitter about it, you know.  The old adage, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" is absolutely true.  I thank the Lord for our family, and we love them far more than the words in this post can convey.

If you are reading this, you may have a bigger heartache than just having family in another state.  I pray for any readers who are suffering, but I do thank you for taking a moment to read my personal lament.  May God strengthen and uplift you.