Well, the rolls are gone; the turkey is now made up into soup; the girl is up in the air and on her way home; and the tree is decorated ready for Christmas. Is Thanksgiving really over? Were the weeks of preparation really worth just a few hours of enjoyment? I can honestly respond with a resounding, “YES!” Years of serving in a variety of places both abroad and stateside has taught us…there is always a place at the table for one more. However, you have to make room.

This year we celebrated with our daughter. Our son was creating new Thanksgiving traditions and memories serving abroad in West Africa. An adopted grandmother who first came to our table some seventeen years ago joined us, as well as two of her cousins. A young Moroccan couple newly arrived to the area found a place at the table this year. And several young adults from Iran currently studying stateside made their way to our Thanksgiving feast. Many treasures from the day will be with me for years to come.

We started out taking in the parade downtown. We laughed as some of our friends jumped up and down with childlike delight at the parade floats, even if they did lament some of the participants’ skimpy dress attire. Later, as each of us gave thanks, our daughter read a letter of thanksgiving from a friend who had shared our table in Europe many Thanksgivings past. We took phone calls and text messages from those across the ocean who remembered sharing the day with us. Tears began to flow down the faces of those joining us this year as they realized the many reasons they had to give thanks, the joy of joining with new friends on such a special day, and the reality of how far from home they were. More tears flowed as one remembered those in faraway places who are experiencing great trials, such as Syria, Sudan, etc. And yet more tears as hugs and kisses were shared. In a short time, we had become family.

Later that evening decorating the tree, an “adopted” nephew placed the angel on the tree. I mentally went through the pictures of those in the past who positioned the handmade angel at the top of the tree…people from Senegal, Belgium, France, Iran, Cuba, China, and a number of different states…all of them family to us. Yes, hunting down a halal* turkey was a bit of a chore. Yes, our extended families missed having us around their tables. Yes, cooking for a house full of people is always challenging (and serving it hot and on time an even greater challenge!). Yes, there are awkward moments when you wonder if a diverse mix of folks is going to blend together. Yes, there is always room for one more, but we have to make room.

When Mary and Joseph were unable to find a place at the inn, room was made for them in a stable. And there in lowly circumstances Jesus was born. Today, strangers in our towns and cities are still looking for a place to lodge, if only for a brief time. They come from every corner of the world. It may seem we have no room. This is the season to make room. Make room in our schedules. Make room in our homes. Make room at our tables. Make room in our hearts. Who knows…when it is all said and done maybe we will hear Jesus say, “For I was a stranger and you welcomed me…just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:38 & 40 NRSV)

This has been a wonderful Thanksgiving and I feel richly blessed by my “family.” I can only anticipate the wonders God has in store for me this holiday season.

Always a place at the table for one more