We Pause to Acknowledge…

In the book of Isaiah (25:1-9), we read these words:

On this mountain, the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples…

When I think about feasts, I can’t help but think about Thanksgiving. In our family, it has always been the tradition to gather the extended family. Over the past few years, we’ve hosted it at our house. We have turkey – and sometimes oysters. Everyone brings a dish.

Last year, before we gathered around the table on Thanksgiving Day – all 26 of us – even before giving thanks, we paused to consciously look around the circle to take in the faces and acknowledge the gift and the beauty of the moment. All of our lives so intricately intertwined at various points along the journey – the laughter and the tears over the decades – the conflict and the heartbreak and the love we’ve all shared.

And so we paused to acknowledge the gift of it all – the gift of each other – the gift of being in that place together. We pause because we never know how many more we’ll actually have.

A shared meal is more than just about food, isn’t it?

Today, before you sit down to eat with friends or family, I invite you too to pause. Consciously look around the table and take in the faces. Try to fully appreciate each person there. Appreciate the moment. Recall the way in which each individual has touched and blessed your life. Give thanks to God for the gift of the moment, for the gift of being together, and for the lives you’ve shared.

Let us pray: We have set this day aside, O God, to remember your bountiful provision, your goodness and grace. When our eyes and hearts are open, we can’t fail to notice your hand at work, your loving kindness, your presence and love. Today, we especially lift up people who are hungry, those who are without homes, and others who are far from loved ones. May they discover your compassion and mercy – even in the midst of difficult times. Out of gratitude, we return our hearts and our lives to you. Use us in the days and weeks ahead to bless others, and by so doing to bless you. Great is thy faithfulness, O God our Father. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto us! In Jesus’ name. Amen.