A Family Gathering

One by one they come. SUVs, cars, trucks, arriving each carrying their own prospective families. Years have passed since the last gathering. High hopes come along for the ride too. No one knows exactly what to expect, but joyous celebration will soon be upon them.
Tables and chairs are scattered around the pool. An invitation for each one to join in. Many have we lost along the trail of life, we plan to revel in seeing how many are still among us. So we gather together in hopes of finding a renewed sense of family.No real reason really exist for having taken so long to see one another again, yet here we are from so many stretched out places.
Hugs, pats on the back, strong masculine hand shakes are given as we each arrive. Tons and tons of young children pour out the doors of the vehicles, ready to play and swim their day away.
You can smell the charcoal burning, sizzling on the grill, burgers and hot dogs beginning to cook. Aw, how the air is filled with such love today. The scent is twisting up with heavy odors of delicious food cooking.
Holidays bring out the best in families, so here we are.
Food passing from one plate to another, sharing, tasting and talking over recipes. We are from three generation sitting side by side, smiling for the next round of pictures. It is a time for sharing, caring and at times wearing others' concerns. It is our family of three generations talking, tasting and exchanging numbers to stay in contact. It is what we came here for, to renew our love and to remember why we must stay together.
As the last minutes of this huge event begins to fade, we are reminded that this same time next year we could be without one of our leading souls. Life marches onward, leaving our body's behind, but the spirit of who you are remains forever.
So we gathered together this day, to love one another, be loved by someone. Reminding ourselves and each other that family gatherings are important. Genration to genration, our blood line lives on.
We celebrate now, hoping for tomorrow, praying that each of us will take the love shared here and live well.
A family gathering, seems like a small idea, such a grand statement to pass forward. Teaching our children that nothing comes before the love of a family, connected, praying together and living their lives well.
Gather your family soon, don't let your time slip by.
Live well, gather up and share a prayer, it'll all workout for the best. This is still God's country.