Close despite the distance

During the summer holidays, my 7-year-old granddaughter was visiting Singapore. We enjoyed the time together – full of small discoveries, joint games and unforgettable moments.

One sentence in particular remains in my ear. She looked at me seriously and asked: "May I come to you alone when I'm a little older?" At that moment I felt: closeness does not always need geography. Closeness arises where trust grows and hearts find each other.

Of course, it is difficult to live family across two continents. But sometimes small bridges help: We now play Mensch ärgere dich nicht online - across countries and time zones. It's not the same as side by side at the kitchen table, but it gives us laughter and connection (...especially when she kicks me out).

Theologically, this reminds me of the image that family life arises where we feel responsible for each other. Home is where the heart arrives.

On Sunday in the service, it is about exactly this question: What makes family - and where do we find it if we live far from home?

And I'm curious: How do you do this with your family across borders? Feel free to tell me about it - after the service or write to me.