How many times have you met someone only to find out that you were connected through mutual friends or distant relatives? Such a ‘small world’ encounter recently occurred with my cousin-in-law Jim and a co-worker, Annie.
Annie sent me a notice about a patient. My attention was caught — Annie had recently taken her husband’s name, Messersmith, which is the same name as my Cousin-in-Law Jim’s, whose family came from this area. I asked, tentatively, “Do you know of Jim?” Annie knew immediately how Jim was connected to their family. Coincidentally, they were about to have a Family reunion celebrating their recent award for 2026 Centennial Farm. We were invited. Jim and his daughter came from Connecticut, My brother, Tom, from Canton. We feasted, laughed, and discovered more connections. We soon understood it wasn’t simply the blood relationships that were fascinating — we were all connected in odd and wonderful ways.
The afternoon passed in questions and stories. The focus remained on our families’ values and our delight in a summer picnic. We basked in the beauty of a Pennsylvania Valley, keeping company with folk who reminded me of my growing up years. No strangers here! This gathering was a sweet gift of the Peace of Home.
In daily life, many of us fret about our world’s fragmentation. We miss so much when we do that, which often causes us to further fragment by staying in our insular communities. We could have turned down the invitation because we didn’t know people. Or stayed aloof. Instead, This Peace of this gathering allowed us to explore our shared connections, and to do so over a feast. Giving ourselves this opportunity to connect and reconnect made the macaroni salad tastier and the desserts a little sweeter.
While my family were not farmers, Bloomsburg is a country town where blue collar and professionals, town and country folk work side by side. Work continues connections started in grade school. Those schools are a mixture of town and farm kids. We met at town gatherings, faith communities, and sporting events. In the 1950s and ‘60s, a lot of people participated on municipal boards, library boards, and religious boards. We hunted the same fields and forests, swam at the same municipal pool, picnicked at the town park. It wasn’t Utopia, but it was less polarized than it is now. So much of my growing up was done with people from all walks of life gathering in Peace.
As for Annie’s and my families’ connections, we’re busily bumping into one another. I received a note from Annie: “Your Brother Says Hi!” She and Dave had bumped into Tom and his Sweetheart at the Sullivan County Fair. They chatted, discovering more connections. In these Valleys, we braid Peace with laughter, service, and food. Our families have committed to building community — and family!
If such haphazard encounters can lead to gathering in Peace, what might deliberate encounters bring? We can all celebrate over shared meals and devote time to serving the common good. Let’s explore gathering in Peace — and allow our willing hands, good hearts, and strong backs to rise above politics.
I recently officiated at a committal of ashes for a dear friend who was deeply community–minded throughout her 98 years of life. We ended her service singing the words she had posted on her refrigerator, “Let there be Peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
What shared interests and community projects can you help to support. Whether it’s with new friends, relatives, established relationships or total strangers, where and with whom will you Gather in Peace?
Salaam, Shalom, Shanti, Peace, and Blessed, Blessed Be.