Reunion at Northgate Park

      On the third Sunday in October, the Norris family reunion happened aqnd one time in particular, I

remember the reunion took place at the Bird Sanctuary. The family came primarily from Johnston County

and though living in a more metropolitan area now, the cousins all mimicked the country welcome and

atmosphere.

      My great-grandfather and great-grandmother from Selma were the patriarch and matriarch of the family.

The Bakers, Littles, Gores, Sarvises, adn Johnsons all came to their reunion and renewed family ties.  The

adults sat at the shelter and in folding chairs catching up on family health and happenings. The news from last

meeting wa reviewed and updated while plans were made for the coming Christmas get together.

    Meanwhile, the kids, most of whom only saw one another twice a year, tentatively stayed in little family

cliques and talked among themselves until we started a football or softball game.  Things immediately

changed then; sides were picked and the girls--who were not allowed to play--were free to join together and

cheer for one side or the other.  Since we had only one thought--the victory--both the players and the

cheerleaders became units and worked for victory.

        No one made fun of any team error or miscue, but both teams immediately made jokes about the

opposing team's dropped passes, strikeouts, or fielding errors. For an hour or so these two teams made up

of differnt lifestyles, personalities, and daily lives, crossed all boundaries and supported only their team. We

all drew closer after the ballgame and spent the rest of the afternoon sharing and revisiting things we had

learned about one another.

       This makes me think about the great believer reunion. There are no Baptists, Methodists, Catholics,

Charismatic, nor denomination of any kind in heaven--only born again Christians. I can see us all around

discussing the things that used to separate us and celebrate and praise the Person Who joins us in this place

He has prepared for us.I am glad to be still working here for Him, but I am so looking forward to that

reunion.