“You prepare a table before me,
In the presence of my enemies”
–Psalm 23:5
You, oh God, are my Host at the table of life!
You have prepared for me a veritable buffet of experiences and opportunities. Some have been delicious and delightful, created (it seemed) solely for my enjoyment—events such as close encounters with birds or butterflies, an afternoon of laughter and reminiscing with old friends, or a spontaneous hug from a toddler.
Other experiences you’ve prepared because they were good for me: challenges, changes, and uncertainties. You wanted to build strong character within me and grow maturity in my spirit.
However, there have been times when I wondered what you were serving! Forgive me for saying so, but occasionally you’ve mixed together circumstances that appeared as distasteful as pickles and cream cheese. Remember those times you put us in a new community long before I was ready, and how I struggled to let go of the familiar and loved?
Well, just as I never suspected how delicious pickles, cream cheese (and a bit of corned beef) could actually be, I also never suspected how much the people and experiences in a new community would greatly enhance my life.
I’ve also noticed that some of the dishes being served aren’t just for my sake, but for others at the table—especially the younger ones. Take Brussel sprouts, for example. If the children see me eating my portion, perhaps they’ll be inspired to eat theirs, too. In like fashion, as a participant at the table of life, You allow me to join with You in fulfilling larger, far-reaching purposes (way beyond Brussel sprouts)!
Even when enemies such as trial or pain try to swoop in and spoil the celebration, I can rejoice because You are with me, to strengthen and uphold. You’ve given me Your Word, where I can feast on Your attributes and promises. By your power, those enemies will be held at bay—outside the banquet room!
And on this Thanksgiving Day, as every cook prays his/her feast will turn out right and good, I praise You that everything You prepare for me is right and good.
Thank you, Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider, for your plenteous supply of righteousness and goodness in my life.
Happy Thanksgiving, Father!
(Photo credit: www.thanksgivingdinnermenu.net.)
From the Inside Out 
Great post! It was beautifully written and what I needed to hear on this rainy, damp and lonely day. But, I got my spiritual fuel this a.m. and heading to the show with Jesus by my side.
Best companion!
Abundant blessings, Emma
Thank you, Emma. It is such an uplift for me when posts provide encouragement that meet specific needs. Praise God for his inspiration at just the right time. And you are so right: Jesus IS the best companion!
I loved this, Nancy. Thanks for sharing your God-given insights. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Steve. Love you so much. Nikki
We enjoyed a delightful day with Jeremy, Nancy, and her mother (visiting from Florida–a member of one of “our” churches there). Eric, Hilja, and Elena return this weekend from India, where Hilja completed an out-of-country rotation for her residency. We will be all together for Christmas, however — looking forward to that! I pray you and Buck also enjoyed a delightful, gratitude-filled Thanksgiving! Love to you both, Nancy
beautiful and God focused! Thanks for sharing such wonderful words.
Thank you, Jean. I pray you had a glorious Thanksgiving with your family!
Again, just what I needed to read! Thanksgiving was a bit too quiet this year. And this decade of my life has its challenges; but I know that I’m not alone. We are all served dishes in life that we would rather not have. I’d rather have a buffet where I could choose exactly what I think I want and/or need. But the Father knows best! Good reminder that while the present can be challenging… “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Someday we’ll know the reasons why certain dishes were prepared for us. In the meantime we have that glorious Romans 8:28 promise, don’t we! Thank you, Cheri.
“Happy Thanksgiving, Father!” — well, I like this concept. thanks for the thought
I just read your “about” page. seems like we have much in common…6 decades (+7 for me), 3 adult children and in-laws – all people I love and enjoy and they are parenting our 10 grand-kids in ways that make me smile and be glad.
I like this stage of life. I just wish it could last a bit longer. can’t help but realize the # of years I have left pale in comparison to the # of years I have lived.
Oh-oh! Time to update that “About” page! I’m now in my 7th decade, too. Yikes!! How delightful that we have much in common. And I agree with you that this stage of life–early retirement–includes many wonderful advantages. Thank you for stopping by, Carol!
I love that God is the host at the table of our lives 🙂
Thank you, Amy–praise God for his inspiration!
First of all, I can’t believe you’re in your 7th decade Nancy….seriously?
Anyway, I loved the pickles and cream cheese reference; that made me smile. What a great way to paraphrase this Psalm…..
Aw-w-w, thanks Jody. (But don’t forget: our teen-years are actually the second decade, so I’m in my 60s!) ‘Delighted you appreciated the paraphrase of Psalm 23:5-6.