This Thanksgiving, I will be celebrating with my family in Florida. It has been quite a while since this was possible. My son-in-law Marc will be cooking, so the feast will be abundant and delicious. All of it will be made from scratch down to the smallest detail, as is Marc’s delight to do. The rest of us will just be sous chefs to the master at work. Again this year, many of us will eat more than is strictly healthy, but how wonderful that we can celebrate such blessed abundance!
In the days following, we will remember again those who will not experience the abundance we enjoy, and we will plan what we might do to respond to their need. Thankfulness should always prompt sharing. A thankful heart can lead to thankful hands reaching out to help. My wife Sue’s family taught me much about extending the Thanksgiving table. There were friends, family, and strangers who graced their table every year. After the meal we played games, told stories, and shared conversation. It was a day that fed not only our bodies, but our souls. Sometimes, new friendships were made. Love and acceptance was experienced. I wonder what our world would be like if we viewed all the world as guests around our Thanksgiving table.