We gather together 9/29/08

WE GATHER TOGETHER
My biological family use to "gather together" every Sunday after church! I don’t think invitations were issued it was just something that happened. At Mom’s house there was always plenty of food and it was always fun being together. It would be no small gathering because with 9 children still living in the area and at least 5 of them married with children, the number was big. The only real hardship, was the cleaning up, which was left to us teenagers who were still at home. I can’t say that we were always thrilled as we gathered together, but looking back, it was a great time of family fun and fellowship.
In 1963 we held a family reunion and took lots of pictures. Through the years following, the family was spread out to the point where we didn’t see each other except for short visits to this one or to that one, but never all together. In 1985 our family held another a reunion. Families came from Iowa, Idaho and Oregon to meet up with those still living in California. What a time that was! We spent several days together remembering, getting caught up and just loving one another. Camera’s were clicking and flashing as we tried to capture these wonderful moments. Not all were at the reunion, but their presence was felt as we remembered them and the impact they had made on our lives.
When Jim and I became parents we discovered we now had our own little family. What a blessed and joyful time that has been. Danny & Jennifer were 13 months apart so it was almost like having twins. We began to wonder what it was like before we had children. Even though we wondered we never wanted to go back. Danny & Faye have given us three delightful grandsons. How great is that? Jennifer takes care of us which relieves some of the pressures from us as we have grown "older". It has been said that; "God never promised us a rose garden" but I beg to differ. With every rose garden comes thorns and weeds but the beauty overshadows all the problems. The fragrance permeates our lives with sweetness and pleasures. No, God may never have promised us a rose garden but He gave us one anyway and oh how wonderful it
has been.
Have you ever watched a family of quails? The Mom and Dad scurrying around the babies guiding them to safety. Whether it is in crossing the street or to a place where they can find food, they are together. I have seen ducks in the canals swimming from one side to the other, taking their young to the safest side at the moment. That is how God watches over us!
We can look back and remember when we were young, and how we were ushered through life by concerned parents. But what about today? In God’s word it says that He is watching over us in just the same way. A concerned parent! That is why we can look forward to when we will one day gather together around the table that God has prepared for His family. One thing is certain, there will be plenty of food at His table..
Families are important to God! That is why He gave us a family that goes on forever. Wherever we go we can find this extended family and feel the warmth and comfort that He has intended for us. In Acts 11:26c we are for the first time called Christians. In Revelation 19:9 John writes about the marriage supper of the Lamb. "Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb". Blessed are those who have accepted the invitation! The Lord has prepared the wedding feast for His bride. The church is the bride! God’s Kingdom is His family! As for me, I plan to be there and my deepest desire is for you to be there also. We will gather together at the wedding feast and come face to face with our Lord. What a great and wonderful family reunion that will be! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/22/08