"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name."

                                                                                                            Psalm 100:4

It is almost time.

The activity in the kitchen is a blur.  Turkey is being carved and placed on a platter.  There is a moment of quick panic, soon gone, because the bowls for the stuffing and potatoes had been misplaced but then quickly found.  “Where is the gravy ladle?”  “Where are the marshmallows for the candied yams?”

In the living room, Grandpa is still trying to convince everyone that the 1949 Detroit Lions could still “whip any team in football today,” and that some kid named Curt Longley really did rescue the Dallas Cowboys one Thanksgiving Day when Staubach couldn’t.

And then the moment comes.  Grandma takes one last look around the kitchen, decides it’s time, and yells, “Dinner’s ready!”  Hands pat the backs of those coming into the room in love, and when everyone gets to the entrance of the dining room that is only used two or three times a year, they all stop and are transported to a place only love can furnish.

The candles are burning, and their reflection is brilliant in the crystal glasses and china that sets on the table.   That glow is matched only by the glow in the eyes of those gathered.  They all laugh a wonderful laugh of remembrance, for that gravy boat that Great-Grandma had, the one that doesn’t match anything, has, for some reason, made its way to the table again this year.  Just can’t seem to not have it there.  It’s family.

Grandpa takes his place at the head of the table, the little kids all shuffle off to the “kid’s table,” and soon they are all holding hands, Grandma looking into Grandpa’s eyes, the family all gathered around, truly understanding what it means to be thankful.

They all bow their heads, and for a few, brief, fleeting moments, there is quiet joy and reverence.  For they are making room at their table and in their hearts for the One to whom they will give thanks.  Just as He has prepared a place at His table and in His heart for them.

Happy Thanksgiving,

“Father, Simply, thank you. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”