The Circle

The Circle--- just follow my thoughts. I have been pondering this one and it might be a rambling one!

It started on Easter Sunday when we circled around moms living room to say the prayer. At Thanksgiving several years ago daddy wanted everyone to go around and share what they were thankful for. Since then when we circle up he has started asking if anyone has anything to say or share. This time I did have something to say. I started with being thankful for mom because a year earlier we did not know what was in store for her or us. I added I was thankful that she had been able to cook the entire meal for us by herself and then I added something like this:   Look around this circle. This is your family, people you can depend on no matter what, people that will always be there for you. Kim Price shared how special the family was to her and that she was thankful to be in our group.  Then my dad started talking and he got choked up and had big tears. He said that it had been a rough year and that he was so thankful for mom and all the family. I don't know what else he said because I had tears too. I do know that in that sweet moment, from a man that keeps it all together, everyone in that circle knew one thing--- they knew they were loved. We prayed and went onto the food and I started trying to sing:
These are my people....This is where I come from....We're givin' this life everything we've got and then some
It ain't always pretty......  But it's real.....That's the way we were made....Wouldn't have it any other way
These are my people

Back to the circle.....We went camping this weekend with 5 families and we spent a lot of time circled up around the fire. One the last night the campfire circle was very tight (we were cold!)  If you were not in the first little tight group you almost had to beg to get in.  People would move, but several times it was very slowly. We do this in life don't we.We get comfortable and just don't want to move. We like our circle and we are not sure about adding anyone else to it.  I don't think we mean to, but we do.  We argure over whose hand to hold and where to sit.  How does it feel to be outside the circle, trying to get in?........ Think about that one....

Anway. Everyone did make it around the fire ( except Daron-- he was cleaning and was just outside the group)  Our circle was big and I love what happened.

Shelby wanted to play camp games so she started this goofy little song and dance all by herself.......well maybe her mama was excited too!

Chicka a chicka..... up .....down and around.... She added one person

 and when your name was called you stood with the group and did the goofy little dance.

Everyone did it -- even the men! Some were a little excited waiting their turn....

I am sure our camping neighbors thought we were nuts.

what did I just do--- I am worn out!

Would our kids have done that in front of a big group of people, would I have done that? Not sure.... but in that moment...... in that circle...it was ok...it was safe .....it was with friends....with our people...

Thoughts to ponder my friends:
Circle up when you can. Great things..... unexpected things can happen.
Friendships form, ties that bind get stronger, love grows, confidence develops.
If you do not have a circle, make one, find friends, go to church, go to ball games, enjoy your family.
Websters---Circle--- 8. A group of people sharing an interest, activity, or achievement: