The gatherings—Friday’s Fave Five

Each week we gather to share five favorite moments from the last 7 days.
My favorites this week are times I gathered - with friends, family, and even strangers.

For more favorites, visit Susanne’s space.

1. With the 4 CornersWe’ve been having sleepovers every year since we were in the 6th grade. We don’t stay up as late as we used to, but we still share all our secrets just the same. These are some of my closest spiritual sisters—I love them so much!

2. With the extended familyIt’s been a few months, but hopefully we’ve restarted our monthly tradition of sharing food and time together. This time we met at the clubhouse of my mom’s assisted living. 

3. With the drama queens (and kings) The hard work of Jenna’s drama group paid off! They were hilarious in their play Tuesday night. I had fun both watching them, and in gathering with old friends to catch up after the play was over.

4. With my brother
A positive side-effect of the shift in my family structure is that my siblings and I spend tons of extra time together as we straighten out finances and pull together in caring for my mom.

My brother and I have taken on some joint responsibilities, so I’ve spent more one-on-one time with him the past 6 months than ever. Together we’ve seen lawyers, doctors, and yesterday, bankers, followed by lunch.

I love how God designed my family by letting Lane be my big brother. He’s the best. And I’m not just saying that because he’s my only brother.

5. With new friendsJenna and I visited with my mom outside in the rocking chairs last night. There we met two brand new friends. One suggested we move our party into the parlor. Since every gathering room at the assisted living seems to have a piano, when they asked if anybody could play, I had to admit I could.

So once again we had an impromptu sing-along, and once again, nobody complained about how awful my playing is (or that the E flat key didn’t work). Being together and singing together outranks the quality of my skills. And thankfully God doesn’t measure our praise by human standards but by our hearts’ intentions.

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Thanks for gathering here today!
Please share a comment below about one of your favorites this week. Let’s give thanks together!