Why does gathering matter? This is one of the questions we need to answer personally and as part of our communities. Especially with the prolonged and current life challenges we are facing. The world has been turned upside down when it comes to getting together. Some people feel the need to isolate, while others are starved for social connections. Yet, gatherings have been a part of our lives since we were born. Friends and family gather. We gather with those we don’t know when we have a common purpose. Let’s look at the heart of the matter, and take a look at the reasons behind gathering and why gathering matters.

Why we gather

Celebration

Throughout history, people gather to celebrate. From ancient feasts to current occasions, we get together to honor and acknowledge accomplishments among those near and dear to us. Birthdays, graduations, and weddings are special events in our lives when we want our favorite people near us as we enter a new chapter in our lives. Even when we can’t be face-to-face, finding ways to celebrate together gives our lives meaning.

Fellowship

There’s no getting around it: we are social beings. We need each other. Those who like to talk, need listeners. Listeners need those who fill their lives with stories and enthusiasm. Physical touch is vital for our well-being. Without one another, we feel lonely. Some people feel discouraged. We are meant to gather, to give hope, and encourage one another.

Decision Making and Problem Solving

Sometimes we need to make a decision and need wise counsel. Gathering around a table to brainstorm and share information allows us to consider the bigger picture. Gathering and sharing thoughts allows for a wider range of perspectives. These perspectives in total often provide the aha to a problem and lead us to the right decision.

Learning

Learning is a big reason we gather. From a creative idea to a skill, we learn from listening, watching, and doing. Hands-on activities with others allow us to learn from an instructor and from our classmates. An atmosphere of comradery and grace for the learning process helps until we catch the know how make learning more enjoyable.

Recognize those who are dear to us

Whether meeting a new baby or saying good-bye to those who have impacted our lives, we gather to pay honor and respect. A new life is so precious and something inside of us rejoices as we cuddle a sweet bundle of joy for the first time. For those who have gone on before us, gathering to pay respects allows us bring closure and move forward until we meet again.

To build community

Often we get together to build community. Meeting and conversing with others for a common good allows us to feel connected with one another. To be part of something bigger than ourselves and that will make a difference is near and dear to the way we are made. From attending church with those with a common faith to business board rooms, we meet to share our life and our hearts.

To make things happen

It may be a tangible project such as building a swing set or intangible to improve relationships, but things happen when we work together. It’s challenging to get things done when we aren’t together. The mere fact of needing an extra hand in our hands-on projects, we choose to create, make, and build together. Togetherness makes a team. As far back as Aristotle, who coined the idea, TEAM stands for together everyone achieves more. We simply get more accomplished together. Plus, it’s really hard to maintain family and friendships when you don’t hang out.

Despite all that is happening in our world, we still need to gather. It’s important for our health and well-being. How we gather depends on what we believe is best for us personally and in our communities. Celebrating, fellowship, problem solving, learning, recognizing those dear to us, building community, and making things happen point directly to why gathering matters. Let’s be intentional about gathering every chance we have and celebrate life’s moments together!