The Family Gathering (09/20/2026)

Yesterday was family gathering day for my clan. I was up at the crack of dawn getting things in motion. The first to arrive was my grandson, the Marine, and his new bride; they brought a pie to share. Then came my oldest daughter and son-in-law; we were so glad he was able to come because his work this time of year often keeps him from attending. But luckily, we had rain, so he could share in our festivities. Then came my youngest daughter and her son with her famous pickle wraps. Then my son and his two teenage sons arrived on the scene ready to party. My granddaughter and grandson-in-law arrived next bearing sweet potato casserole, brussel sprouts, and blueberry lavender cupcakes. We popped the hot dishes in the oven to rewarm. And finally, my oldest grandson and his new bride arrived.

The dance in the kitchen was almost magical as we pulled out dishes and set up the buffet line on the kitchen island: plates and silverware, tossed salad, fruit salad, deviled eggs, pickle wraps, ham, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, brussel sprouts, muffins, and dinner rolls. After a blessing, the festivities began as the different members made their way through the line and found an open chair at a table to claim as their own. My husband and I were the last two to go through the line. Luckily, we’d counted correctly and there were still two chairs waiting for us.

After our lunch, we handed out cupcakes with candles to the members whose birthdays we were celebrating: my son-in-law, my four grandsons, a grandson-in-law, and a granddaughter-in-law. We sang the traditional happy birthday to everyone, and the youngest honorees tore into their cards, while the older honorees ate their cupcakes first.

Then we sat and visited all over the house, the lower level, the family room, the screened porch, and the kitchen table. I found “my chair” and from that perch, I watched and occasionally joined in conversation with those around me. But mostly I just enjoyed watching each member be themselves and watching the family be a family.

This morning, as I sat on the porch with my LORD and my journal and the readings of the day, the gospel about the hired hands who came at different times made me remember the family gathering yesterday. We are all called to be members of the family of God, but we don’t all arrive on the scene or embrace the purpose of our presence at the same time. But the reward is the same for all of us. Those who come earlier, though, get to enjoy the company of the others longer. And that is worth a lot. Some of us bring more to contribute than others, but each of us adds to the mix, regardless of what we are actually bearing in our hands.

And my hope and prayer to the LORD this day and all days is that eventually, everyone gathered for the family birthday will be gathered together in the presence of our LORD as the family of God.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.