the first line says it all . . .

"We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing,
Sing praises to His name: He forgets not his own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, wast at our side, All glory be thine!

We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant,
And pray that thou still our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!"

I still remember sitting on folding chairs in the gym/cafeteria/auditorium of the Pines Lake Elementary School, watching the lyrics up on a screen and following along, eyes glued on the bouncing ball. We sang with vigor, we sang out of tune, we sang with joy. Life in the 50's was good. I am thankful for growing up in the era.

I am thankful that today I got to sit at the table with the 9TS, Katie, Ryan, Jackie, Joe, Craig, Stephanie and Kaitlyn. That the 9TS is healthy. That there was bountiful food. That we are all safe.

Doing a little happy dance in my head while everyone else is at the car show.