Around the Table
We’re approaching that day again and some of you are dreading it. Not because of the details, but because you’ll find yourself seated around the table with people you’re not used to being with. Last year, I shared some ideas on how to have healthy conversations on tough subjects and you can access it here.
This year, God prompted me with a couple more ways for us to talk around the table
My oldest cousin Joe, went to heaven a couple of months ago. When we gathered for his celebration of life, I became forever marked by this remembrance shared. A friend of the family told me this story of Joe's mother, my Aunt Pat. Aunt Pat came into the house after Joe passed and immediately went to Joe, kissed him on the forehead, and said, “YOU were a good son.” then much like Ruth and Naomi, my Aunt Pat walked across the room to Joe’s wife, grabbed her shoulders, and said “YOU were a good wife. And now you are my daughter.”
Those words she shared had all of us a little weepy. After the service ended, my brother came to me and said “YOU are a good sister” and to Gibson he spoke: “And YOU’RE a good brother-in-law”. He then said, “In all seriousness, I just realized we don’t say these things enough.” Full tears flowing now.
As I’ve been challenged by my precious Aunt and encouraged by my brother, here’s how I think we can take this challenge around the table next week:
Find someone you can speak these words of affirmation over YOU ARE A GOOD Mother/Father/Sister/Brother/Daughter/Son/fill in the blank___________. Look this person in the eye when you say it (you don’t have to give more detail or make it super involved, just give this simple affirmation) Then watch their soul light up and enjoy the moment. (Want to share this affirmation with loved ones who live far? Send them one of these)
From last week’s newsletter about Ebenezers, make a list before Thanksgiving of anything in 2023 where you can say “Thus far, the LORD has helped me.” Instead of listing gratitude count it as an Ebenezer. Our tendency with gratitude lists and gratefulness is to focus on the thing/the event instead of our Provider. This simple rephrasing will help us thank God and reposition Him as the only source of our thanks-givings.
Those are my tips for having a beautiful holiday this November. I’m still working on how to prepare the right amount of turkey for 30 people and seating arrangements, so send me all your ideas for those! And also, I’d love to hear any ideas you have for making this our best time around the table, amen?