Fellowship!!!!!

As we all reflect on the Great Blessings we enjoy it is also appropriate to consider and remember our history. To introduce the topic today I would like to review a bit of history concerning gatherings and fellowship:

• Woodstock 69, Bethel, New York. August 15, 16 and 17. Attendees estimated at 400,000
• Second Atlanta International Pop Festival, Byron, Georgia, July 4, 1970. Attendees estimated at between 350,000 to 500,000
• Wadena Rock Festival, Wadena, Iowa, August 1970. Attendees estimated at 10,000

With this background in mind I feel that we should also consider the state of affairs in our current society. People seem to avoid gathering together and promoting fellowship. Everyone is always so busy seeking out a lifestyle or livelihood. What a sad situation!!!

Yet, I see hope and promise in the future. Recently I observed a family gathering near Dublin, Georgia were a family, friends and neighbors gathered together to celebrate a Birthday. The food was home cooked and everyone took the time to talk and discuss the problems of the world, what was going on a work and every topic that was broached. A delightful day that lasted about ten hours. This event was conducted by a couple in their 30s and everyone in attendance enjoyed the Fellowship and the Bonding.

Another event that I observed was a recent Wedding here in Middle Georgia. The family, friends and neighbors from many states of our Country, of both the Bride and Groom gathered for an early Saturday Wedding. The reception commenced at 2:00 P.M., and the Fellowship lasted until about 4:30 P.M. A great opportunity for both sets of families, friends and neighbors to get to know the others in attendance. Another great Fellowship and Bonding event.

Yet we often hear and also observe communities and neighborhoods where no one knows who lives next door. I regret to also say that since my change of residence to the South and the Hospitality the South is famous for, that I have noted that much of this is a myth. At least in the current day and age. Think for a moment, When was the last time you had Southern Fried Chicken for Sunday Dinner? If it was recent, I will just bet you that it came from a box with a label displaying some fast food enterprise. I usually attend Family Reunions and must say that the Chicken is also from a Box. I would think that any great Southern Host or Hostess or Family that would bring Chicken to a Reunion could at least place it on a nice serving platter.

But please do not feel that I am in dispair. As I pointed out above, there are those who are much younger than Flower Child who are reinventing "Southern Hospitality," and showing us older folk that we have overlooked much in our desire to have it all and to multi-task to the point that we cannot pause and enjoy Fellowship with our Friends, Families and our Neighbors.

As I complete this post today, please be aware that I am not promoting the Pop/Rock Festivals of the Past. I simply desire to point out that the up and coming generation appears to have a much better handle on Fellowship and Bonding than we older Folk have achieved. I salute those who enjoy life and appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a great home cooked meal with their Families, Friends and Neighbors.

Please remember that you do not need an appointment to conduct Fellowship with the Flower Child. We should take every opportunity to appreciate each other. It is sad to know someone for years and then read their obituary to learn so much about them. Fellowship can be Fun and involve Food as well as the opportunity to learn so much about our fellow planet mates.