With Thanksgiving only a few days away, many of us are getting ready for out-of -town guests.  We have 3 grown children and 9 grandchildren.  They all live several hours aways from us.  Matt is in St. Louis, MO, Martha is in Columbus, OH, and Jonathan is in Ashburn, VA.  We don’t get to see them very often so it’s a big deal when they come home.  It has been 5 years since the whole family has gathered in the same place at the same time. 

Many of us have long distsnce relationship with our children and grandchldren.

     Here are some thoughts that might make your visit more pleasant.

1. When they arrive don’t bombard them with “It took you long enough to get here”, “‘Can’t  to try harder to come to see us?”  “Our grand kids hardly even know us.” and other things like this that will put them on the defensive.
2. Speak in kind words and make them feel special, not guilty.  Ask about their lives, without judging their choices.  They each have their own family now and they are free to pursue their own dreams and goals.  We don’t have to agree with them, but we shouldn’t critcize them either.
3. Don’t stress over the small stuff.  They probably won’t notice the dust on the window frame or the shoes kicked under the couch.  They are coming to see you, not do the “white glove” test.
4. If little Tommy spills milk on the new carpet, don’t freak out. Just quietly clean it up and move on.  If Stacy insists that lima beans are “Yucky”, serve corn also.
5. Make the in-laws feel especially welcome and include them in the meal preparations and clean up.  You don’t want to send the message, “You’re not good enough to be in my kitchen.”
6. When the room gets too crowded, instead of whining and complaining, enjoy the closeness.  It does’t happen that often, grin and bare it.  Let the adults watch their football game and take the little ones another room to color or play games.
7. Ask God to bless your time together and then trust Him to do so.  Make some unforgettable memories and give lots of hugs and “I love you’s”.