For the past ten years Steven and I have attended the community buffet meal provided by a large church in our small rural town. It is always nice to see town folk that you know and don't know. We sit at a large table with friends and neighbors who didn't cook for one reason or another. Some are elderly and not well, some bring their family, some live alone and various other reasons that make a community meal so inviting. Desserts, turkey and salads are always donated by the community and a jar is available for donations to help pay for the side dishes. Volunteers from church and community start early to prep everything in the large kitchen and make deliveries to shut ins. Sometime after the first or second shift, Santa shows up with small gifts donated by fire and police personnel. It is an amazing community effort.
When I got up this morning, my thoughts went to friends and how they would be spending the day.
I have one friend that has already had one holiday meal. She is part of a family and extended family that can never decided when and who will host the meal. Parents want one, in-laws want one and children want a meal with their parents and kids. I envy her all the food but not all the fussing and hurt feelings that hang over this holiday. All in all, my friend makes a great effort to appease everyone and look for the bright side.
Another friend will host a meal at her dining room table with family and be exhausted for days. She prays all the grandchildren make it home and anxiously accommodates great grandchildren. She loves her family. Her house is decorated for Christmas and there is a parade on the television as prelude to the football game. Lots of food from her kitchen and her children's. They will have time to catch up on what each other has been doing lately and how they are contending with health and family issues. Lots of talk across the table, coffee with the dessert buffet and sleepy heads afterwards.
A neighbor friend is surely sad this year. She is not able to cook and serve her family in the tradition she has created. She has been fighting terrible infections for a couple months now, due to an injury that is not healing. She has created a family that depends on her. However, this is their chance to shine and take care of things for her, as I am sure they will. This is the kind of woman who is always busy serving others and it will not be easy for her to sit and be waited on but well deserved. It is important to be on the receiving end of the giving once in awhile. We seldom stop to think of the great pleasure we derive from doing the serving.
I am concerned about another friend having health issues; seems like one after another for several years now. She and her husband will be going to family for their meal and socializing. Grandchildren will be visiting from the city with a new beau or news of a job promotion. Some even bring pets with them, which are always accepted. I am sure she will come home exhausted but oh so happy not to have clean up in her home this year. It is so great to have family to share with.
One friend I am particularly happy for this year. She and her husband have been invited to the house of her daughter in the city for her meal. It seems that for a reason, unknown to her, that the relationship between the two of them has been distant for several years. This meal was her daughter's idea and my friend is elated. It will be a wonderfully special day for her.
Do you see yourself in any of these situations? Steven and I do not have children, family is unaccessible and friends are preoccupied. We are looking forward to our meal together with hearts full of gratitude for all of God's blessings which includes our marriage. We always miss family but are making our own tradition.
I know that grace of great gratitude will be said at each table I have mentioned.
May the Lord bless you and your family today with loving conversation, fellowship, great food and safe travels.
Amen
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