As the holidays come. Expected. Anticipated. Dreaded….by some. I must ask….
Who are you inviting to your Thanksgiving table this year?
Thinking about years past…..
First year with spouse. We sat, in a Restaurant. Just us two. Night before putting on my wedding dress.
Then, those times as a child. House packed with Grandmas and Grandpas and laughter and generations…..Coming together as one.
And how prospective family members always exclaimed…..Your family never fights.
And I wonder if we were ever bold enough and told them….It wasn’t us….it was Christ.
And then there was “that” Thanksgiving…..you know “that” Thanksgiving. Haven’t we all had a that Thanksgiving?
The one where scars still seep from healing.
The one where husband’s family initiated me to do Thanksgiving dinner……And I willingly agreed.
Thinking…..I have been in the family long enough. Though I am not incredible in the kitchen…..
I will try to please them.
And agree to set my table for many. The unsaved ones.
Day drawing near…..
Cooking. Preparing. Setting out plates and crystal…..the best that I have for those sharing our meal.
Until, the day came.
Turkey prepared. Mashed potatoes steaming…..
And we waited. Expecting….yes, they will likely be late.
And we waited…..and waited…..But they never came.
No phone call. No telling us…..we are on our way.
All of them…..just never came. No explanation. No reason or definition of why they left us hanging….
And my heart was devastated. The turkey and my soul…..both lay there getting cold.
And the wounds as I write this are only slightly lessened…..though time has passed…..
And people change.
And I sit and wait……
For some kind of miraculous healing…..to come and erase all the memories.
But, it hasn’t happened.
Until, I remember His own dinning feast….The one Christ calls His children. Come and eat.
And the parable about how the elite refused. Yet, He kept on beckoning…..insisting every seat be filled.
So, He goes into the streets. Calls the poor. Brings in the forgotten…..
And opens the doors……To those without family…..those lost or ignored.
And this table of the broken…..I can easily take hold of.
But what about those…..Who have given greatest offense? Are they welcome?
Yet, the beautiful thing about His Banqueting Table…..is that there are always enough chairs.
So, I ask you this Thanksgiving…..
Who is the hardest…..most difficult to love. Is there a seat at your table?
And, I remember past rebellion. My turning from Christ. My rejection of His goodness.
And how….when I was there…..in that place…..
Christ came.
And welcomed me to dine.
But, I refused.
The God of both the broken and the most defiant few.
Yet, this year…..first year ever…..I get past my own petty fears……And open table to all.
My family. Those without family. And my husband’s family…..though they bring scars.
And I pray….
Lord, let me be used.
And Lord, I know what it’s like when you offered me life….a seat at your table…..but I refused.
I didn’t call. Didn’t explain. Didn’t have courtesy to let you know…..while your meal remains waiting….
That I had abandoned you.
I. Myself. Doing. The very offense that happened to me.
So, I forgive. At first in actions…..then in Spirit. And set aside my entitled feelings. Or rights…..to how I think I should be treated. And pray…..
Lord, refine me…..
As I bring betrayers, believers, and wanderers…..together at my table…this year.
Thankful that He pulls out the chair….and there is always enough room.
Who will you invite this year?
Linking this post w/ Michelle & On, In, & Around Monday & Women In The Word
12 Comments
Jen…oh that deep pain of rejection…what a beautiful story of God’s healing power and I love how you weaved His banqueting table and our choice to invite all…into our hearts and home….
these family times are times of choosing…choosing His way of Love….
Blessings and Grace as you allow Him to give you His Hospitable heart.
:)coming by and joining from Changing Diapers and Taking Names come by and say hi http://thebrookiecookie.blogspot.com/LOVE YOUR BLOG and your table settings are beautiful.
Powerful post, friend.
That’s so good Ells. Yes, those family times are choosing to love…love always. Love…no matter what. And how He makes us whole in our healing. Blessings ~ jen
The Brookie – So glad to have you come by & join my blog. Nice to “meet” you! Looking forward to connecting in days ahead.
Amy – Thank you, Amy. I appreciate it. Love ~ jen
this is good…i think we all have those that are challenging..i have a few in extended family for sure and it helps to go into this holiday with the right attitude…
Brian – Amen to that! It’s not about our circumstances….but most about how we respond to them! Great reminder! Thank you! ~ jen
Jen, I wrestle with similar pain with extended family, and I have let anger and resentment build up to the point where I can’t even spend the holiday with them. You have inspired me to pray to open up my heart and try again. ~Lori
This is an incredible Thanksgiving post…really! My heart was hurting with you in the first half, then convicted, then challenged. We have always invited many to our table. Yet, now we are in the US and it seems everyone has families and plans. But..they don’t. We just need to seek further.
This year, I am going to my brothers and sister-in-laws and having Thanksgiving with them and my nephews. We normally go out of town, but this year decided to stay home. I’m really looking forward. It’s my favorite Holiday. Anyway, my name is Sarah, I am a new follower, I found your beautiful blog through the Blog It Forward hop and am following via GFC and Twitter. I’d love for you to stop by and follow back. Thanks and have a wonderful Tuesday and Happy Thanksgiving:)
Lori – What a joyful comment to read! So glad to hear! May His grace open doors that once were sealed and restore relationship that once was broken! Praying for you Lori, for a great Thanksgiving!
Shanda – Such truth! There are many out there waiting for an invite who otherwise may spend Thanksgiving alone. Why is it in other countries….people come together so effortlessly. Is it because the U.S. is a more individualized nation? I would love to hear of your celebrations in other countries as a missionary. I bet you have so many stories to share. Love you, my sister. ~ jen
Sara – Thanks for the follow and for coming by and sharing how you spend Thanksgiving. I will be sure to stop by your blog soon. Blessings ~ jen
Oh Jen so much pain and so much healing and forgiveness here — what a gift you are with this truthful, honest story.
Michelle – Your words always like healing balm to my uncertain soul….Thank you!