We gather together…sorta. 

This Thanksgiving, Covid continues to interrupt our lives, causing us to lament once again as a   cherished holiday that is filled with tradition, family, and yummy yummy food has been altered and brings with it a sadness as we cope with life’s trails, tribulations, and adjustments.

The beloved hymn, We Gather Together, is one of the traditions that I delight in as we raise our voices in church “to ask the Lord’s blessing.”  I won’t sing it this year in church, but I sure can sing it around my house, as I stroll through my neighborhood, and maybe over the phone to my children (how they would love that)!  It’s a song of encouragement, reminding us that God is with us regardless of our circumstances, but it was not written for Thanksgiving Day. It is a Christian hymn of Dutch origin written by Adrianus Valerius in the late 16th-century as an expression of celebration of freedom by The Netherlands from Spanish oppression. As such, I advocate that we sing it boisterously throughout the year lest we forget God’s faithfulness and that He always provides even as we social distance!!

Carefully, expectantly, joyfully, read the words…or better yet, sing them! And let not your heart and soul be troubled…gather safely together, ask the Lord’s blessings, sing praises to His name, for He forgets not His own…now that’s something to be thankful for…and turkey with dressing!

With a grateful heart for you and all God’s blessings, Kim