I missed FMF for the past two weeks because Hubs, Sam the dog, and I left the frozen tundra of our mountain home and went to sunny Florida for 12 glorious days. Basically, I unplugged from all social media, save for an occasional glance-over on my Kindle of my work emails and Facebook, and of course I still played Words with Friends! We are back, and although with a different perspective on my writing, I am gathering with my Five Minute Friends over at Kate’s place today, the prompt is…
Five minute countdown begins now:
She gathers her food in the harvest.
We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing. (Thanksgiving song)
THOSE were the first thoughts that went through my mind when I saw the word prompt – but then I remembered a Facebook moment I had this week when I was reminded that my friend Joyce was having a birthday. As I typed her birthday message I immediately thought to myself, It is time for us to gather again, as a group of women and friends, and refresh one another with encouragement and fun!
Gathering is an innate human instinct. I confess I’m somewhat of a loner, and definitely an introvert, but there is something about gathering with like-minded women that charges me up. I love preparing our home for a gathering. It motivates me to clean, spruce up, get out some special items and make our house welcoming for “our people”! I love the camaraderie of friends gathered around a table full of good, healthy food! I love when God moves within the gathered and shares a word of hope and encouragement.
People have been gathering since the onset of time. God gathered with Adam and Eve as they walked through the garden. Mr. and Mrs. Noah gathered their family and all those awesome animals. Rahab gathered her people and they were saved from the ravishing of their city. We gather our families and friends on holidays.
We are gatherers. And, gathering is very good.
xo
FMF Disclaimer: I write for five minutes but then go back and add the links and the illustrations!
“We are gatherers. And, gathering is very good.” <—— I love this. I am an introvert that is learning to love to gather. (visiting from #FMF)
Join the clubs! The “introvert club” and the FMF group, Amy.
Yes, Susan! Gathering IS very good! I love gathering for special events/occasions…with family, or friends! Thanks for sharing!
And, so happy to hear you had an opportunity to enjoy 12 glorious days in SUNNY FLORIDA! Hope it WAS – sunny!!
Barbara, our days in FL were PERFECT!
We are indeed gatherers! Your first line about the hen gathering her chicks made me smile. When I worked at camp that is how many of my friends etc described me as I was a camp counselor. I was like that hen gathering her chicks!
Tara, yes, you are a mother hen! xo
Oh I love this and oh how I LOVE to Gather! 12 days in Florida? Oh that sounds WONDER FULL!!!
Karrilee, I thought of you the day I wrote WONDER in the sand!!!
The older I grow, the more of an introvert I become, but I do love a good gathering of people. I’m a southern woman, so any time I can gather together a group to feed them, I’m all about that. Lovely post, Susan. #FMFparty
Leah, gathering for bread is always a good thing! Thanks for coming over!
I also wrote about the importance of gathering with friends from a little bit different perspective, but friends are important regardless of the stage of life you are in.
I love your disclaimer. If I had to do the whole post in less than five minutes I don’t think I would be able to do more than a few sentences and one picture. 🙂
Amanda, me too!
Susan, my introverted friend, thanks….I need to push myself to get out there and “gather” with some girlfriends. When I am in a mood, I let that slide and I have really noticed it lately. Thanks for the great reminder of much needed girl time!
Cherie, if Chicago wasn’t so dang far we’d be having lunch today!!!
oh and Welcome Home!!
😉
I’m glad I’m not the only one who invites people over as motivation to clean house ;).
Were you born in October, Anita?
Two weeks unplugged from social media sounds so appealing. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. As an extroverted introvert, I need time to retreat after being in the gathering space with others for a while. Need to recharge…
Kelly, I wasn’t totally unplugged but semi – unplugged was good!
Oh yes, we have an innate need for the gathering. So glad that we can gather even here on the interwebs to encourage, console, and love on one another. Great post, Susan!
Thank you, Holly, for dropping by!
That was a very enjoyable day, my kindred friend 🙂 Our hearts are encouraged when we come together. God created us as relational beings. I am thankful for my network.
Wasn’t it? We must plan another!