“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 stronger character within me and grow maturity in my spirit.
Sometimes I’ve wondered what you were serving! Forgive me for saying so, but occasionally you’ve created circumstances that seemed as distasteful as dill pickles, cream cheese, and corned beef. (That combination sounded awful when I was first introduced to it.) But just as I discovered how delicious Piggles* are, I’ve learned the superiority of your plan–to prosper me and not to harm me (Jeremiah 29:11).
Another observation: some of the dishes being served aren’t just good for me, 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, when many a cook prays his/her feast will turn out perfectly, I praise you that everything you prepare for me is perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4).
Thank you Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider, for your faithfulness and goodness in my life.
May the happy thanks-giving of your people provide happy thanks-receiving for you.
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*The name, Piggles, was created the night a bunch of us made pigs of ourselves on this pickle appetizer/snack.
(Revised and reblogged from November 26, 2015.)
Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com; http://www.heartlight.org.)
From the Inside Out 
and I thought this was an ad for making dinner reservations. So I was surprised to see and read such a warming message and reminder to me. Thanks for that.
Dinner reservations?! I never thought the title would bring THAT to mind! 🙂 Praise God the post provided a warming message for you. And thanks so much for stopping by with your encouraging comment.
yes, thank you Great Provider!
Beautifully said, Nancy, and I echo your praise that everything our Father prepares for us is perfect! (I must confess I am super curious about piggles! I may need to try that!)
Thank you, Rebeca. I can almost hear your echo from across the country!
About the piggles. They are so easy to make: spread thin layer of softened cream cheese on thin slice of corned beef. Wrap around pickle. Put in fridge for a couple of hours, then slice into “coins.” DONE! 🙂
“Sometimes I’ve wondered what you were serving! Forgive me for saying so, but occasionally you’ve created circumstances that seemed as distasteful as dill pickles, cream cheese, and corned beef.” Oh this made me smile Nancy. Love the food metaphors for life.
So glad to give you a smile today Jody!
Reminded me of how grateful I am to have wonderful Christian neighbors who brought me a really super Thanksgiving dinner since I am recovering from having 3 hernia’s fixed. I have now had 4 thanksgiving diners. 🙂
The Host at the table of life has blessed you with wonderful neighbors, Sam! Hope those 4 thanksgiving dinners speed your healing! (All those good endorphins, you know.)
I’ve looked and looked, and can’t find Piggles anwwhere in the Bible. Is it a Hebrew word? ;>) Thanks, Nancy!
I’m so sorry you ended up on a wild piggle chase through the Bible. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by, Mitch!
I’m a bit late reading this but as usual…the Lord had it waiting for me when I needed it most. One of my cousin’s cancer has returned such that she is back on the ‘pump’ for her chemo. I had a little melt-down this evening about it. Sometimes it is so very difficult to find anything positive in a situation…but Deuteronomy 32:3-4 is a real comfort. Knowing that everything in one’s life has its purpose is a blessing.
I am so sorry to hear about the return of your cousin’s cancer. Your family has been through so much already. Couldn’t agree more that “sometimes it is very difficult to find anything positive in a situation.” Praise God for the comfort of Deuteronomy 32:3-4 at just the right time for you. I’m also thanking him for his strength and wisdom for you all as you support your cousin. May the healing in his wings (Malachi 4:2) come to rest upon her!
Hope it was a great Thanksgiving. I loved the tie in with the Lord.
Thank you, Gary. We did enjoy a lovely, restful Thanksgiving this year. Just a small gathering of six! (It was supposed to be eight, but illness interfered.)