The day started out with plans to go to the pool; only to learn it closed for the summer. With only three days left of summer, it was disappointing. Trying to think of a way to salvage the last days of summer, I confirmed no one had any commitments until Friday, when school would begin and when I needed to fly to Seattle for a family reunion. My mind whirled trying to think of what we could do for the next three days. Awe, yes, Mount Rushmore, although five hours away, we could do that.

I had errands to run so on my way out the door, I announced to the family we were heading to Mount Rushmore and thus, they should be packed in two hours when I returned. My announcement brought stares and gaping jaws. Just in case they thought I was kidding, I added, “That’s what I want for my birthday” just two days away. Several hours later, when I arrived home, much to my surprise, both Josh and Kassi were packed, ready to go with Finnigan. Even more surprising, my homebody husband said, "Well, if that’s what you really want to do for your birthday, then I’m ready too." We loaded up and headed down the road.

The next three days were a blur of fun as we filled our time with new family memories. Ron teased me about driving so far for my birthday celebration and added how much he looked forward to payback time with his next birthday! We all had to admit, we enjoyed our perfect end to the summer.

Back home on Thursday evening, the kids readied themselves for school while I put my clothes through the laundry, plucked my brows, and packed for my morning flight to Seattle. As Ron dropped me at the airport the next morning, I’m pretty sure I heard the tires squeal as he drove off. Sometimes my spontaneity in this journey of life created a bit too much excitement for him.

Seattle meant another three days packed with activities as I enjoyed celebrating my aunt and uncle’s 50th wedding anniversary. An extra bonus included treasured moments with my son Tucker and five-year-old granddaughter Leena. When it came time for our goodbyes, Leena relayed her feelings: "Can you stay forever Grandma?"

Trying to hide my own tears, I responded, “I’d love to, but I need to go home. We can always talk on the phone.”

“It’s not the same,” Leena’s face grew long as tears streamed down her cheeks. She was right, and I felt the pain in saying goodbye too.

As I boarded the plane, I thought of the past six crazy days, a road trip, sight-seeing, eating out, sleeping in a cramped hotel, flying to the west coast, enjoying time with our family, hellos, and goodbyes. We'd been doing life, even if it was a bit unplanned, unpredictable, and challenging.

Paul’s perspective is relayed in Philippians 1:22-26: “As long as I’m alive in this body, there is good work for me to do…So I plan to stay around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again.” (MSG).

His words remind me that in the limited time we have here on earth, there is good work to do. It's about taking in each moment and living life to its fullest, appreciating the things that make us laugh or cry, while doing whatever it takes to help each other grow in our relationship with one another and with God.

Someday there will come a final goodbye, an end to the time given in this life. For those we leave behind, in Leena’s words, “it won’t be the same”. In the time left, we want our life to be full and our journey to point others toward the greatest reunion of all time, with our Lord Jesus Christ.