Family Reuion

This past weekend was our annual 57th Miller Family Reunion. I have been attending it as long as I can remember (except while in the military.) Family reunions are something common here in Southern Ohio, and I assume throughout the country. Although reunions are common I presume most are unique. I really believe that about our Miller Reunion.

My mother was Stella Miller, the eldest daughter of Samuel and Daisy Altman Miller. She was one of 10 children that survived infancy. Only 3 of those 10 survive today but the reunion is a big deal. It is a two day event. Beginning on Saturday afternoon around 2:00 p.,m. family members begin arriving. At 4:00 o'clock we enjoy a cookout with visiting and games to follow. On Sunday morning at 8:30 there is a breakfast cooked and served by volunteer family members. Usually 20-25 enjoy. Then at 10:00 o'clock we have a worship service. Then around noon we feast on a carry-in lunch. There are more games and visiting and people begin returning home one car load at a time. The attendance varies considerably and I haven't heard the count for this year yet but it generally (since the passing of so many of the first generation) has been between 70 and 80.

Nothing I've mentioned so far may seem too unusual except perhaps the worship service on Sunday morning. But that is what makes the Miller Reunion so special for many of us. Not everyone attends it but for those of us who do it is what makes the reunion. The food would be hard to beat anywhere, I mean it is down-home Southern style good . The visiting is exceptional because it is the only time of year many of us get to see each other. The games are good if you like horseshoe, slip-n-slide or the newest board games that some have brought. But the worship service is great because not only are we blood relation but we are spiritual family as well. Each first generation extended family takes a turn and gives a testimony to the goodness of God and sometimes a representative from the family will sing a gospel hymn or song. Then one of several member preachers will give a sermon. Many of us sit and cry off and on throughout the whole service as God is glorified in song and testimony.

Most families, including ours, are proud of their heritage and that is often mentioned in the testimonies but the fact that each testimony carries that one step further to glorify and give thanks to God for that heritage is nothing short of inspiring. To God be the glory for the Miller Reunion.