Finding Joy in Gathering

There’s something special about being together. Not the picture-perfect kind of together—but the real kind. The kind where the house is a little loud, the food isn’t fancy, and someone’s always running late. The kind where laughter spills over the table and stories get told for the hundredth time… and somehow they’re still funny.

And if we’re being real, I’m kind of the worst at this. Contrary to what people often think, I am a homebody through and through. I love my house. I love my dogs. I love my backyard. I love canceling plans and convincing myself it’s “self-care.” So when it comes time to actually gather, my first instinct is usually, do I reallyyyy need to go? And sometimes, the joy doesn’t show up right away.

Sometimes it feels inconvenient. Exhausting. One more thing on the calendar. We show up distracted, half-present, thinking about what still needs to be done or wishing we had stayed home in comfy clothes. BUT joy often meets us after we arrive.

I’ve noticed that some of my most life-giving moments didn’t start with excitement—they started with obligation. A dinner I almost canceled. A small group night I didn’t feel like attending. A family gathering that felt like “too much” for the week I was having. And yet, those moments ended with full hearts, deeper connections, and the quiet reminder that I needed people more than I realized.

We live in a culture that pushes independence and busyness. We rush from one thing to the next, convincing ourselves we don’t have time to gather—or that we’ll do it “someday.” But God designed us for community, not isolation.

The Bible says in Psalms 133:1, “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!" There’s joy that only shows up when we’re gathered. Joy that looks like encouragement spoken out loud instead of kept inside. Joy that comes from being seen, known, and reminded you’re not alone. Joy that grows when we break bread, pray together, and do life side by side—even in the messy middle. Gathering doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. It can be two people on a couch. A few friends around a kitchen island. A quiet conversation after church.

So if you’re tired today, overwhelmed, or tempted to cancel—consider this, the joy you’re craving might be waiting on the other side of showing up.

SHE Walks in Faith

Who is God inviting you to gather with more intentionally? Whether it’s friends, family, or community—pause and ask Him how you can make space for joy through togetherness.

🩷 Prayer

God, thank You for creating us for connection. Help me see gathering not as an obligation, but as an opportunity for joy. Give me the courage to show up, the grace to be present, and the heart to welcome others as You welcome me. Let my joy be multiplied through community, and remind me that I was never meant to walk alone. Amen.