“Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with contempt” (Prov.15:17). “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife” (Prov.17:1). “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of absolute goodness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom.14:17).
Jesus, I love Thanksgiving—and its culinary accouterments like pumpkin spice lattes, cranberry relish with walnuts from The Fresh Market—and Darlene’s sweet potato casserole with apricot preserves, a bit of maple syrup, and perfectly bronzed, melted marshmallows. I’ll choose sear-crusted NY strip steaks over turkey or ham. And for dessert, make it ramped-up-with-spices pumpkin pie, and flourless chocolate cake with different sauces and toppings options
But 10,000 times more so, I’ll take a gathering of family and friends where the menu starts with a front-door welcome of your peace, along with the aroma of no-judgment acceptance filling the room. Then come multiple appetizers of Abba’s kindness, your grace as the main entrée, and a vast array of sides each revealing your goodness and beauty. This is more prophetic than poetic—for one Day we WILL feast in the house of Zion—with all put right, all things new, and all things beautiful. Hallelujah, and thank you, Lord.
Jesus, as we live and love towards that Day, free us to choose your “absolute goodness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” over other options. This year—no matter our menu, agreed upon side-down time, choice of linen napkins or paper towels, dress code of “church clothes” or any-thing-that’s-comfortable—may loving well take precedent over everything else. No matter who chooses to come or not, no matter the weather outside our homes or the relational temperature inside our hearts—may we truly believe that “the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love” (Gal.5:6). So Very Amen.