After facing 2020’s canceled events with minimal social time, safe gathering opportunities fill my heart with joy. Family, friends, and Christian fellowship brighten our days.
Last week one of our granddaughters was giddy with anticipation to visit Poppy and Gigi (that’s us) for the first time in months. She danced around the room and with top-of-her-lungs excitement, shared her good fortune with siblings.
Two days later I was the giddy one. Our son invited us to join his family at a state park where he’d discovered a secluded, crystal-clear stream.
We waded, splashed, found wild muscadines, and watched a toy boat float in the current. We laughed when our grandson covered my feet with sand and applauded when our granddaughter climbed a fallen tree and jumped into the water below.
The fresh air and shady stream of our private haven delighted us, and family time refreshed our hearts.
Additional blessings–Sunday school Zoom meetings and online prayer with friends–refresh my soul and offer connection. I’m grateful for those opportunities, but in-person meetings are one step closer to the norm—warm pre-pandemic fellowship. Would you agree?
Last week when our ladies’ Bible study resumed, we skipped coffee, snacks, and hugs and viewed the masked faces of classmates from a distance. Still, we relished assembling to study God’s Word.
Even more important than gathering with family and friends is the privilege of one-on-One meetings with God. No safety measures or protocols hinder our joy or personal connection to Abba Father.
… In Your presence there is fullness of joy …
Psalm 16:11
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Psalm 145:18
We may not be able to participate in all the gatherings we’d prefer to join right now, but we can be just as excited to spend time with God as our granddaughter was to play at our house or as family members were to wade in the stream. What if we replace the time we mourn over lost opportunities with quiet times of worship?
Spending time alone with God in our own private haven offers the peace and joy of His presence and prepares our heart to hear from Him as we pray and study.
When I take my Bible, a journal, and a mug of coffee to our deck, the freshness of morning and the melody of songbirds create a sanctuary for worship and conversations.
Do you have a favorite haven and a designated time for meeting with God? What joys do you experience as you “gather” with Him for fellowship?
Bible verses are from the ESV.
However we must do it, remembering to seek and enjoy fellowship is so important. Thank you for taking us on a wonderful time of joy, laughter, and love Ms. Jeannie. God’s blessings ma’am.
Quiet times of worship help renew me and give me strength. I enjoy the loud times of family gatherings. But, I also enjoy the quiet times of reflection. 🙂 God is found in every moment.
J.D., you’re right. God made us with the need to fellowship. What a blessing it is! Thank you for commenting.
Melissa, I’m glad you pointed out the value of loud and quiet times. That balance is healthy. It’s a joy to remember your statement: “God is found in every moment.”
What beautiful pictures of joy you painted with family and the opportunity we have with our heavenly Father. My place is my sunroom, even before sunrise, mug of coffee, Bible and journal. But when the sun rises and daylight increases, it’s a reminder for me of God giving me a new day.
Marilyn, what a lovely setting for meeting with God and what a perfect way to start your day. Thank you for sharing.
Jeannie, I felt like I was with you and your family. I could picture your son in his excitement of showing all of you a beautiful place of God’s creation, which he had discovered. And I could picture your granddaughter’s joy in being there with Poppy and Gigi. I’m so glad you had a joyful day! Thank you for sharing your wonderful insight and wisdom.
I always appreciate your comments, Evelyn. Joyful family times are uplifting, and being outdoors gives me a restful, peaceful feeling. God knew we’d need fellowship and the beauties of His world.
Beautiful pictures, Jeannie. I experienced a sense of peace just from the lovely views and descriptions. During this pandemic, being outside has been my best source of solace and comfort–where I feel closest to God. So glad you were able to have this joyous time with family.
I’m happy that you, too, enjoy spending time in God’s creation. The blues and greens are calming, Aren’t they! Thanks for stopping by, Katherine.
Thank you for the reminders of the everyday joys God still provides in spite of the pandemic. Your day with your family by the stream sounds heavenly.
Linda, I appreciate your comment so much. Thank you for reminding us that God still provides everyday joys even in a pandemic. What a good point to remember.
Thank you for sharing your special time with family and God. I enjoy sitting on my patio with our dog and listening to nature. Thanking God for all of it!
Doreen, you mentioned a key point–thanking God. I’m glad you enjoy special times of outdoor blessings. Thanks for stopping by.
A haven for sure. My porch. I think this pandemic as reawakened many hearts to the comfort and gift of home
I agree, Jeanne. We long for “the comfort and gift of home” and enjoy the comfort of God’s presence and fellowship with others. Thank you for taking time to comment.