I always enjoy hosting my church life group in my home. Recently, as we filled plates, and found seats at the table, I realized we were a few chairs short. One of the men volunteered to bring chairs in from another room. Everyone shifted as we squeezed in the additional chairs.
As I joined the ladies’ table, I thought how grateful I was to have a seat at the table instead of sitting alone in the sunroom. We enjoyed good food, stories, and lots of laughter. The table where we sat has been in my family since my parents “started housekeeping.” For many years, the table also lived at my grandmother’s house and hosted many Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter meals.
I’m nostalgic about my dining room table, because I know the history of those who’ve sat around it over the years, friends and loved ones who are now absent from my life.
In scripture, the table is a place of fellowship, nurture, teaching, learning, togetherness, bonding, gratitude, celebration, and revelation. I believe the table can still be all those for us today.
In these days prior to the holidays, my feelings and emotions are a swirling jumble, some, I can’t even assign words. There is a longing, a missing that cannot fully be expressed. But amid the abundant memories and emotions is gratitude for God’s gracious mercy and peace.
I’m thankful I have a place at the table, here, and in eternity at the feast table of the King. Just as I wasn’t consigned to the sunroom alone at the life group gathering, I will be among the beloved and redeemed one day. No worries about finding a seat, because one is assigned and waiting for me.
How about you? When you sit at the table with family or friends, do you feel comfortable, loved, and a part of those gathered? Or do you feel like an outcast? No matter what you experience currently, you don’t have to wonder if you’ll have a seat at the table in eternity if you’ve trusted Jesus as Savior.
This post is a departure from my normal blog format, but it is where I am at this moment in time. I feel a kinship with those who are missing someone, finding their footing in new or difficult circumstances, and wondering what the future holds. I identify with those who are making stumbled progress with forward motion.
Perhaps you dread these next few weeks and would rather skip them. I understand, but I also believe moments of joy will be revealed among the difficult. So, take a seat at the table where you find yourself this year, and expect blessings greater than your heartache.
“You spread out a table before me, provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies; You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil, filling my cup again and again with Your grace. Certainly Your faithful protection and loving provision will pursue me where I go, always, everywhere. I will always be with the Eternal, in Your house forever” (Psalm 23:5-6 VOICE).
©CandyArrington
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Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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