Listen

“Therefore, don’t worry and say, 'What are we going to eat?' or 'What are we going to drink?' or 'What are we going to wear?' Gentiles long for all these things. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Instead, desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 6:31-33

Think

This Thanksgiving week, we discover in the scriptures a recipe for cultivating a life of gratitude…

Ingredient #3: Hospitality

Thanksgiving at my grandmother’s house was a communal affair. My grandmother always cooked her special dressing, the mashed potatoes, the green beans, and the macaroni, but no visitor ever arrived at her door empty handed. My relatives brought ham, cakes, pies, vegetables, rolls, and deviled eggs. Each person would bring their “specialty” dish.

I’ve always thought these meals were a foretaste of heaven, a glimpse of God’s kingdom. The food was delicious, but the company was better. Each person brought his or her unique perspective and talents, coming to the table to share. No one hoarded the food for themselves. No one ever left the table hungry, and there were always leftovers to take home.

In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus says that we should not worry about what food we will eat tomorrow or what we shall drink. Instead, keep our minds focused on the kingdom of God, which is not a faraway place in the future, but rather is right here, right now, all around us. It’s found in the sharing of gifts and talents as we welcome everyone to the table.

Kelli Kirksey

Pray

God, may I always be mindful of those around me.

Give me the eyes to see their gifts and a heart willing to welcome anyone to the table.

Amen.

Go

From the corners of my deepest shame
The empty places where I’ve worn your name
Show me the love I say I believe

Oh, help me to lay it down
Oh, Lord I lay it down

Lauren Daigle in “Once and for All” (2015)