Family Homecoming — Fort Worth Style

It’s not your average homecoming. There’s no prom queen, no football game, and no awkward slow dances -- but this reunion is what real homecoming is all about.

Yesterday, the Fort Worth hotel lobby transformed into a full-blown festival of hugs, squeals, and toddlers zipping between suitcases. You could practically hear the theme music playing as family streamed in from near and far -- California cousins included!

The joy? Palpable.
The chatter? Nonstop.
The smiles? Wide enough to split Texas.

Goodie bags -- lovingly assembled by Aunt Beverly and her dream team -- were passed out like treasures, and the hallways echoed with catchups on babies born, weddings celebrated, and dear ones we’ve said goodbye to this past year.

Sure, it's a hotel -- but when you're with people who matter -- it feels like home.

This tradition, carried forward faithfully by family members who refused to let it fade, is sacred. Roots matter. It isn’t about the roof over our heads -- it’s about the arms around our shoulders.

And while this is a family homecoming, it’s also a beautiful rehearsal for the final Homecoming.

Can you imagine it? The moment we arrive in heaven’s eternal reunion -- no baggage, no jet lag, no awkward small talk. Just perfect joy. Revelation 21:4 promises: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…”

Now that’s a reservation worth keeping.

Until then, we’ll keep celebrating down here – family and faith, with daily glimpses of heaven. We’ll tell the stories, hold each other close – because that’s what families do.

From Fort Worth to forever, this homecoming is a taste of what’s to come.

As precious as it is to embrace these family members here – I can’t help but think: “Even so, come Lord Jesus come – any time – any day! I’m ready for that reunion – how about you?