First Baptist Church of Herndon

We Gather Together

Linda Soller | Nov 20, 2012

I have heard it said too many times, “it is a shame that it takes weddings and funerals to get people together.” The weddings are too infrequent and funerals, well funerals are usually so sad. Why is it that we allow our busy lives to keep us from dear friends and family? I don’t believe it is intentional, but we do let it happen.

As a child we went to the grandparents’ houses for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Often we would eat multiple big meals to be sure no one was left out. Somewhere along the line my Granny decided she was tired of stressing over the big meals and it was time for the younger generation to step up to the plate, so to speak.  I volunteered for Thanksgiving. It was always a favorite of mine. No presents to purchase, good food, football games for the men, and talk of Christmas shopping for the ladies. Thanksgiving just screamed family to me. And so it is, that our extended family, food in tow treks to our house on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving does not show favoritism to any particular generation, any particular faith, or any particular part of the country. It calls us all to gather together with those friends and/or family members who are dear to us to celebrate all that we have to be thankful for, not the least of which is each other.

God never intended for us live in isolation. That is not to say we are never alone, or even lonely, but it is to say he provides for us to be neither of those things. Providing the opportunity for us is not the same as making it happen, and so we must at times reach out to others because relationships rarely fall in our laps, or magically turn up. It may require that we swallow our pride, or interfere briefly with our busy life, or just simply walk next door. Thanksgiving falls early this November, and not a bit too soon. In a troubled world filled with hardships and challenges there is still much to be thankful for.  Even if you are a party of one this year, you have God, and I cannot think of any better company.  Happy Thanksgiving and have a great week :o)

Linda