Take one small cottage, fill with family round a table of food,
voices in harmony around that table singing the Doxology
and there you have it.
No, that's really not all, only the beginning.
The Son & Heir and his family visited this week. All other family able joined in for the day, each after their day's work. Effort was required by all but family gatherings have become most important these days.
Eighteen in all gathered, including the three Littles.
Such a gathering reminds me once again of my vast storehouse of blessings, blessings in human form followed by the blessing of sweet memories to keep close to the heart for coming years.
We are four generations now. That fact alone causes wonder. In a quiet kitchen moment my 6 foot plus tall grandson snuggled in and asked "Nana, did you ever think you would be a great-grandma?". Frankly, it never occurred to me. And in addition to the wonder of that fact there comes the sobering truth. What memories will this present generation of Littles carry through their days? What seeds will settle in their little spirits that will sprout and grow, and hopefully bring forth good fruit?
This thought burned in my heart as I watched (I know, the eyes should have been shut,) their little faces as the family sang praise to our God. Their eyes were large with wonder. Each of them know the hymn but their little mouths were tight closed as they too watched and listened. How I pray that this sound of praise will take deep root and carry through their lives.
But there are and were assorted other moments to store up. There was the science teacher uncle holding deep conversation with the grown up grandson. There was the daughter sitting at the The Dad's feet just chatting in the common way. There was the wonder of a grand daughter, now wife and mum chatting as an equal with the auntie.
There is much silliness that goes on with our group, there is singing - and this time even ukulele playing - but best of all for me is witnessing the quiet conversation between this one and that in the midst of the commotion. There is always a making time and room for such talks.
One of the sweetest events was a sharing between the tiniest of the Littles, 18 months and the tallest of the grandsons, nearly 20 years. They sat gazing at each other in wonder softly singing the alphabet song. Will she remember this kindly giant who lovingly entered her little world? He will no doubt, as will I.
There were many more moments, of course, not the least of which came at the end with Son & Heir sharing his composition set to Isaac Watt's hymn of Psalm 116. This was a special gift to The Dad.
Did I mention blessings?
Oh my yes. Blessings indeed.
And good medicine?
Absolutely. The very best.
