fellowship
As the sun sparkled brightly in the western sky, we gathered for a refreshing time of fellowship at the old farmhouse. Friends and relatives from ages 90+ to just six weeks old had come together to celebrate the joy of relationship in the presence of a loving God. The toddlers were sharing the battery powered little car as best they could while the pre-teen and his grandfather baited hooks for a size worthy catch from the pond. The sturdy four-wheeler provided enjoyment for several as they ventured to remote places of the farm before gathering back to the deck overlooking the wonders that nature has provided. The grill was smoking hot as burgers and hot dogs were placed thereupon to be seared to delicious perfection for all who were to partake. Chatter and laughter was shared as we all filled our plates with tidbits of contributions from many. Sharing stories, memories, loving thoughts and even concerns consumed our time as mouths consumed the morsels placed before them. Topics for our future gatherings in the late summer were pondered and one chosen as we cleared our plates and those traveling to their homes prepared for departure. A heart filled with gratitude for the joy of knowing and sharing with friends and relatives began to silently whisper words of thankfulness for another day experiencing family and friends. A foundation of thankfulness is the solid rock upon which this thriving heart if built.
A semi-restless sleep was abruptly interrupted by the sound of the alarm. Recollection rushed to the forefront as I slowly sat up to insert my feet into the waiting slippers. I recalled that the “Breakfast Club” was first on the agenda for today as I swallowed my first round of daily medication, flipped on the coffee maker and opened the door for Gracie to take her run. Sebastian the cat began meowing impatiently as he seemed to be calling forth his morning morsels from his perch on the porch. A dip into his bag of mix and a quick dump into his bowl left him devouring his crunchy feast. Five in the morning seemed to have arrived abruptly as the rush was now on for a shower and quick sip of coffee before making the trek to the church kitchen to begin the six in the morning Sunday preparation of a breakfast for more than fifty regular partakers who count on this meal to sustain themselves. Still shaking off the remnants of sleep my mind began rushing forward with the order of preparation now in store. The Sextant had been on vacation over the preceding holiday and the usual pot of coffee to be turned on for brew did not greet us as we entered the fellowship hall and adjoining kitchen. A frantic search through all the cupboards yielded not a single ground of coffee. Not being deterred, the team assembled to deliver the sustenance that morning. A quick run to a local fast food establishment with the intent to purchase a large container of coffee, proved nonproductive as the business was not open that early on Sunday morning. Our focus shifted quickly from what we “didn’t have” to what we “did have”. Sausage, biscuits, grits, eggs, and juice were all soon placed on the waiting trays as the grateful participants sidestepped the absence of coffee in those early hours of Sunday morning. Forty eight people experienced a warm and hearty meal with some taking the option of seconds in the form of a sausage biscuit. Even in the absence of the usual caffeine stimulant, gratitude suffered not a single blow as we all shared in the fellowship of giving and receiving that Sunday morning.