If I had to sum up my July in one word, it would be gathering. In addition to my normal weekly shows, I’ve also gathered with friends for concerts, an employee appreciation party, birthday parties, and a wedding celebration.
Even though we may have come together for different reasons, there was a common element—a focus on what is good. It was an opportunity to let the troubling news of the world fall to the wayside and turn my attention to what really matters—relationships with other human beings.
Gathering together reminds us that we all have so much in common and that we belong to something much bigger than our individual lives would suggest. It opens up space for the stories and songs deeply woven within each of us and breathes new life into our existence through conversations, observations, smiles, laughter, and music.
A couple of weeks ago, I gathered with friends to see the Beach Boys in concert. I was mostly going to see our friend who plays bass for Dave Mason—the opening act. To be honest, I wasn’t that excited about seeing the Beach Boys. After all, there are only two original members still in the band, and a lot has happened since the days of singing “fun, fun, fun, til her daddy takes the T-bird away.” However, when the Beach Boys took the stage, I was caught off guard. My body instantly remembered something I had long forgotten about and responded with all the joy and enthusiasm of an elementary school girl. I jumped on the runaway nostalgia train without thinking twice. They played for over two hours—39 songs, as I was later informed.
I knew every song and so did everyone else—even the two young girls sitting behind me. How is that? They were much too young to know about the Beach Boys. Maybe they learned about them through their grandparents or great-grandparents? One thing I do know is that the music was my connection to every person in that amphitheater, regardless of their age. There were no strangers. We were all human beings feeling the same good vibrations together. I’ve seen a documentary or two about the Beach Boys, so I know it wasn’t all as peachy and beachy as their songs make it sound. But isn’t that how life is anyway? Throughout life’s ups and downs, the good still rises to the top. It’s what stays, what lasts. The songs still lift my heart and take me on a joy ride of waves, sandy beaches, tan lines, nice cars, and romantic sunsets.
I felt those same good vibrations at my nephew’s wedding and I know I wasn’t alone. As my sister sat on a bench with two of her granddaughters, she watched her grown kids with their friends and families enjoy the festivities with a look of contentment on her face—a moment where everything was as it should be and nothing else mattered.
Last night we gathered together on a beautiful boat dock to celebrate our friend’s birthday. On a picture-perfect summer evening, we played music, ate wonderful food, and took time to share our lives, making new friends, and creating moments that will be remembered and laughed about.
I know a lot is going on in the world and in our lives that’s not so great. But I think when we intentionally gather together to share special moments it offers us something much more than the enjoyment of eating a piece of cake—although that’s a moment to be savored too. Meaningful gatherings also give us a chance to refresh, to rest, to set aside all our worries and to-do’s, and just to be in each other’s company. Even though we are all busy, I believe taking time to create special moments is essential. It reminds us we are not alone. It lightens the heaviness of life for a moment and gives us a fresh perspective so we can pick up where we left off and begin again.
There really is so much good in this world.
Gather by Trisha Leone Let’s gather together so we can remember The things we have forgotten The life we share What makes us care The things we have in common Let’s gather together so we can hear A familiar voice again Stories and songs Of times long gone And we can all remember when Let’s gather, let’s gather Let’s gather together again Let’s gather let’s gather Let’s gather together so we can laugh And revive our sense of humor We'll sit together Talk about the weather And our big plans for the future Let’s gather together so we can share A meal around the table Watch the sun set low Til the darkness grows And the stars will come out to join us Let’s gather, let’s gather Let’s gather together again Let’s gather let’s gather Let’s gather together so we can warm Our hands around the fire Share silent gazes to faraway places Where together we'll fly higher Let’s gather again so we can remember We’re all in this together That we belong And we’re so much stronger When we hold on to each other Let’s gather, let’s gather Let’s gather together again Let’s gather let’s gather
Listen to the song below or on Bandcamp