The Truly Ultimate Gathering

Most of us think of Thanksgiving as a great time for gathering with those we know. Usually family members join us, maybe a few stray friends.

Today, I'm going to talk about the rare moment when a large group of friends gather in one place and the incredible benefits of these special moments.

God knew from the beginning that the people He made (Adam) should not be alone. Before He did anything else, He made a companion for Adam. In the Hebrews 10, God reminds us again that we should "not prevent the gathering of ourselves." And when Jesus began His ministry, He immediately gathered disciples to be with Him.

Whether you're shy or outgoing, joining a gathering of friends can warm your heart. It did mine. ...

From all over the United States, a group of the Writers Alley gals met at Pensacola Beach last week with one specific purpose in mind.  (Pepper from North Carolina, Krista from Tennessee, Angie from Iowa, Casey from Colorado, Amy and Eisley from Missouri, Mary from Michigan, Julia from Virginia, and Ashley from Pensacola, Florida. Karen, Laurie, and Cara couldn't come.)

We are all writers, and, yes, spent LOADS of quality time helping each other talk through our writing projects. 

We are all girls, and, yes, spent plenty of time in girl talk. Way into the wee hours of the night we laughed, shared, remembered, and ate chocolate.

The draw for this particular gathering on the fantastic Gulf shores, was a baby shower for Ashley. This was the ultimate in baby showers because we all flew to her city, and with her hubby"s help, planned a successful surprise baby shower. Even with months of chattering on FB we kept it a secret! She was totally surprised!

Four Alley Cat daughters joined the weekend fun. 

While the girls splashed in the water, we walked along the beach, and shared our stories, brainstormed, talked about our needs, our families, anything that concerned us or made us happy.

Sunday morning we spent a few hours in prayer, praise, and study of God's word on the balcony of the condo. The sun shone brightly, the waves pounded the shore, the warm air relaxed our spirits. Philippians chapter one, the great passage on fellowship, was the theme.

Unfortunately, our long weekend of fellowship came to an end. 

Monday morning several flew back home, others began a long drive home.

BUT...

The ultimate, the truly ultimate gathering is yet to take place!

Some day, we will gather with ALL God's family in heaven and celebrate forever. We'll see King David, Moses, Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor, and so many more.

What I hope most of all....is that I will see you there.