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!
Amy P Boyd says
March 6, 2015 at 8:10 am“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)
admin says
March 6, 2015 at 8:11 amJoin the clubs! The “introvert club” and the FMF group, Amy.
Barbara says
March 6, 2015 at 8:52 amYes, 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!!
admin says
March 6, 2015 at 10:04 amBarbara, our days in FL were PERFECT!
Tara says
March 6, 2015 at 8:59 amWe 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!
admin says
March 6, 2015 at 10:04 amTara, yes, you are a mother hen! xo
~Karrilee~ says
March 6, 2015 at 11:11 amOh I love this and oh how I LOVE to Gather! 12 days in Florida? Oh that sounds WONDER FULL!!!
admin says
March 6, 2015 at 11:46 amKarrilee, I thought of you the day I wrote WONDER in the sand!!!
Leah Adams says
March 6, 2015 at 2:29 pmThe 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
admin says
March 6, 2015 at 2:38 pmLeah, gathering for bread is always a good thing! Thanks for coming over!
Amanda says
March 6, 2015 at 3:28 pmI 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. 🙂
admin says
March 7, 2015 at 7:39 amAmanda, me too!
Cherie says
March 6, 2015 at 3:47 pmSusan, 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!
admin says
March 7, 2015 at 7:39 amCherie, if Chicago wasn’t so dang far we’d be having lunch today!!!
Cherie says
March 6, 2015 at 3:48 pmoh and Welcome Home!!
admin says
March 7, 2015 at 7:39 am😉
Anita Ojeda says
March 6, 2015 at 5:24 pmI’m glad I’m not the only one who invites people over as motivation to clean house ;).
admin says
March 7, 2015 at 7:40 amWere you born in October, Anita?
Kelly Basham says
March 6, 2015 at 6:48 pmTwo 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…
admin says
March 7, 2015 at 7:40 amKelly, I wasn’t totally unplugged but semi – unplugged was good!
Holly Barrett says
March 7, 2015 at 12:59 pmOh 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!
admin says
March 8, 2015 at 2:34 pmThank you, Holly, for dropping by!
Diane says
March 11, 2015 at 6:48 amThat 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.
admin says
March 11, 2015 at 7:11 amWasn’t it? We must plan another!