When Family Gathers ...

 

Love does not dominate;

it cultivates.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Gathering dear friends through the front door, I glanced down to discover the clematis I planted last year.  It had several deep purple blossoms fully opened graciously greeting our guests.  It had already began its climb up the trellis with plenty of new buds.

Everyone had brought food to share and delicious aromas filled the air.  Monkey Bread, Egg Casserole, Cheesy Potatoes, Fresh Fruit Salad, Spinach Salad, Biltmore's Famous Bacon/Cheese/Onion Dip with lots of veggies, Ham, and a Summer Delight Strawberry Dessert.  There were plenty of Mimosas and Sangrias passed around as these wonderful human beings formed a community of love around the dining room table.

Funny stories were once again told and updates of other friends were shared.  The conversation was relaxed, fun, and nurturing as we counted our blessings and shared thoughts about our families of origin spread across the United States.

Ignoring the dirty dishes, we spilled outside to the patio table and chairs where the hours leisurely slipped by.  A few folks continued on to other commitments, but the original core remained in the beautiful outdoors soaking up the sunshine and passing our new little Juniper Rose around, now nearly three months old.

There is nothing like sitting in a circle of friends where dreams, disappointments and fears can be safely shared.  I find myself amazed at the lengthy journeys already made by some people who are only thirty.  It pleases my heart to hear them report how they navigated through their challenges and in spite of the odds became wiser for the wear and tear.  Several times I felt my spirit lift in celebration of the resilience of the storyteller.  It isn't always the case to find a wiser soul at the end of a story.  When the challenge has not been mastered a bitter and unhappy person stands before you ... still struggling  ... still waiting to be rescued ... and all one can do is extend love, light, and energy. 

As evening drew near, we retreated into the house and snuggled into the family room where the conversation shifted to still another level.  We began to focus on things unseen and the world at large.  Our minds began to embrace new and different ideas accompanied by personal revelations. 

Ah, the safety of friends deemed 'family'.  I looked into the faces of those surrounding me and I felt inspired, loved, and hopeful.  I was inspired by individual stories that could only be told in safe boundaries.  I felt loved by the acceptance and compassion received from those who listened.  I was extremely hopeful that more and more people were reaching inside and configuring new dreams based upon their now recognizable strengths.  And laughter, the great healing agent when family gathers!