Gatherings

I tend to be quite shy and rather reserved.  Some people notice this an are accepting, others draw the conclusion that I am snobby or disengaged.  As a result, social gatherings have always been a struggle for me.  I am the kind of person who has a few close friends and who does not always make friends easily.  However, once I know someone, I tend to come out of my shell and relish the sense of community that comes from friends gathering.

Today, was one of those moments, surrounded by a bunch of other mothers who were kind and gentle with their children.  They were present in the moment, helpful and conversation flowed easily.  Their was lots of playing going on amongst the 6 children and for the most part it was rather cooperative and kind.  There was yummy homemade food and everyone helped clean up afterward leaving the hostesses home in order - you wouldn't even know that the house was full of people!

It is moments and experiences like these that remind me that the world can be filled with kind and caring people, who notice and attend to their children's needs, and who display a sense of warmth and acceptance of others.  The spirit of the season was alive and well today.