Being far apart changes the dynamic of how you spend time together as a family. However, this doesn't have to be a negative change. When you approach the transition purposefully, it can strengthen your family's bonds by pushing you to work harder to stay connected.

Modern technology offers many avenues of communication. Families can call, text, email and video chat through their phones and electronic devices. Here at LifeStream at Sun City, we provide a computer center for our residents to use to connect with long-distance family members.

Relationships Take Work

When something is rare, it's treasured; conversely, everyday things are often taken for granted. It's not uncommon for families to become complacent and put their time together on the back burner when they see each other often.

Long-distance relationships, however, immediately draw attention to the value of your visits and can help shift your priorities to focusing on making the moments you have together meaningful.

Meaningful Conversations

Regardless of whether you're talking in text or on the phone, conversation topics matter. Simply touching base for a few minutes to chat about the weather doesn't tell you what's been on your loved ones' minds recently. Meaningful communication connects hearts together.

Show how much you value them and their feelings by asking thoughtful questions and listening attentively to their responses. For example, instead of casually asking how their day went, inquire if anything has made them happy recently. Ask about their activities and the things in their daily lives they love, such as a favorite park or coffee shop they enjoy visiting.

Talking about the details of your lives will help you know each other intimately. The knowledge can give you insight into their personality and passions, which will make it easier to understand them and their actions.

Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind

Disagreements are inevitable in relationships, and distance can make it easier to sweep difficult topics under the rug. However, it's important to be honest with your feelings and allow your loved ones the same courtesy.

Sometimes called the love chapter, 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 details the aspects of love the way God created it to be. This type of selfless and enduring love teaches us how to overcome distances and differences through patience, kindness and respect.

Before problems happen, make it a goal as a family to always be respectful of each other's feelings. This will let everyone be able to talk openly without fear of judgment or provocation.

Pray Together as a Family

Many seniors of faith have experienced firsthand the power of prayer in their lives. Prayer draws believers' focus away from daily frustrations and hardships to God's goodness and strength. This can make it easier to forgive misunderstandings and extend grace to one another.

Prayer can also be a wonderful way for families to share their thoughts, feelings, worries and dreams with one another while asking for direction and wisdom from the Father.

There are many ways you can pray with distant loved ones. You may want to establish a nightly routine where you call and pray with your grandchildren before they sleep. Another option might be to call your children on their lunch break to see how their day is going and pray for them.

Study the Bible Together

Bible study is another way to bond as a family. The wisdom and values found in the Scriptures create opportunities for honest conversation and growth, both individually and as a group.

Studying God's Word can be done in many ways. You may wish to try:

• Following a reading plan and discussing the assigned passages together
• Reading a devotional each morning over the phone
• Hosting a weekly watch party for a Bible study series

Because each of your family members has different schedules and responsibilities, it may take some planning to coordinate a unified study. If it isn't possible to hold one live, a private chat group or forum may be the perfect way for loved ones to study and talk.

Worshiping Together

Worship is a cornerstone of the church for a reason. Praising God through music and singing offers a unique connection with God that helps believers feel his presence.

Distance doesn't have to put a damper on your family's worship times. All you need is to turn up the volume on a recording during a video chat or phone call to praise together.

Besides listening to songs by your favorite artists and bands, you might hold jam sessions with your family members. If none of you know how to play any musical instruments, learning together can be a fun way to connect through a new hobby.