Spiritual Springtime

Spiritual Springtime describes our experience at The Smoky Mountain Gathering. It keeps us going back. There is nothing quite like heading South after the winter weather breaks in the North. It has a going-back-for-a-family-reunion feel. Bill Gaither's words come to mind:

"We're part of the family, that's been born again…sometimes we laugh together; sometimes we cry; sometimes we share together heartaches and sighs. Sometimes we dream together of how it will be when we all get to heaven, God's family."

All of the above happens as we meet up with friends in the hotel lobby to play games or go to the Old Mill or The Apple Barn for lunches. We talk, shop in the outlet stores, drive through the Smoky Mountain National Park with a picnic in the cooler. The program is highlighted with lots of laughter and fun. Laughing together is an irreplaceable encouragement tool that brightens the spirit and taps into the joy of the Lord. Believe me, laughter at The Gathering provides a workout that is better than one found in a Silver Sneakers program.

The Word, along with the music, is experienced as one spiritual meal after another. From group singing, concerts by well-known gospel groups and artists, participation in the choir, to the around-the-piano singing and testimony time, we experience Springtime in our souls. I believe it was once called revival.

Jeanette Vermilya

[Back to Top]