So good

 How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head ... . It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord ordained his blessing, life for evermore. (Psalm 133)

From one point of view it was an evening with friends. From another, it was water for the soul.

Eight of us gathered bearing food and drink to share. Talk led to eating and eating to longer conversations in twos and threes or fours until the night was full and our bodies tired. Gathering bowls of leftovers, hugs are shared as we linger at the door and go to our cars, our hearts lighter than when we came.

Sinking into the seat, there comes a sigh and oft repeated words. “I needed that. It was so good to be together.” I whisper the words of this Psalm every single time.

But it is better than good. It is a holy sacrament, the sweet savor of the everlasting life, the peace and mutual love the Holy One gives even now and will forever.

It is like the oil of anointing that freshens the fragrance of living. It is like water on the mountain side, flowing down into rivers to quench our parched hearts and make us glad again. A holy gift. Thanks be to God.

David L. Miller