So in Christ we who are many form one body,
and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:5 NIV
The service I attended last Sunday morning was one I won't forget anytime soon. We were at a family reunion...and tradition dictates that we all get together on the Sunday morning for a time of worship, reflection, sharing and prayer. We have been meeting this way now every three years since 1978...and for me the Sunday morning gathering is always a highlight. We quit talking about the weather and our travels...and we talk about things that really matter. We share answers to prayer and our heartaches with one another. Each of us has tough situations that we face in life...no one is exempt. One family is facing cancer...another has an infant grandson who is terminally ill...a marriage is in trouble...and others in our extended families are not walking with God. We brought our shared concerns before our almighty God...only He can deal with them. We cried and laughed together. We sang...hymns and choruses...old and young...we raised the roof at the Maple Leaf RV Park last Sunday.
We are cousins...and children and grandchildren of cousins...from many different places and situations in life...but there is a 'tie that binds'...our common union with Christ. I was reminded of the old hymn Blest Be the Tie that Binds...written by John Fawcett in 1782.
Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Before our Father’s throne, we pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one...our comforts and our cares.
the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Before our Father’s throne, we pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one...our comforts and our cares.
We share each other’s woes, our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.
And often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.
When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.
But we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.
This glorious hope revives our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives, and longs to see the day.
While each in expectation lives, and longs to see the day.
From sorrow, toil and pain, and sin we shall be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign through all eternity.
And perfect love and friendship reign through all eternity.
How wonderful to share 'the tie that binds'...that's what makes a family reunion special!
Have a blessed day...
I love that song 'the tie that binds' and family reunions!! A time to catch up and share our hearts. Just like you did, Judy! Such blessings..
ReplyDeleteThis post shares an entirely new level of "the tie that binds." I am so glad that your family has been able to continue this wonderful tradition. May you keep right at it for years and years to come!
ReplyDeleteWHat a great family tradition that you've begun - and what a greater "family" we all have in Christ Jesus! Just think about the reunion that His children will have someday in heaven! Blessings - Vickie
ReplyDeleteWe sang this song in church every Sunday when I was growing up. Our ties that bond are held together by our faith. And, what better thing do we have in life than our faith.
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful post.
It's so beautiful that your church family shares such closeness and gives such support for each other. That is a treasure beyond worth, Judy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thing to be able to get together with your extended family every three years. You are blessed. Yes, I believe I would enjoy the Sunday morning tradition the best. Isn't it comforting to know we can take our burdens to the Lord? He is our Savior and knows all our heartaches and pain. Someday all these troubles will be gone and we will be with Him.
ReplyDeleteAw what a nice post. I love that hymn too.
ReplyDeleteHugs
candy