Smoking Turkey (11/23/2023)

This morning as I was finishing up my morning conversation with the LORD, I heard a rattle in the vicinity of my neighbor’s patio. I was pretty sure I knew what it was; I was right. It was his smoker. He was lighting it to begin the slow and oh, so aromatic process of smoking the turkey for his family Thanksgiving. I mentioned to the LORD that there should be a rule that one must invite everyone within wafting distance of your smoking turkey to your Thanksgiving dinner. I doubt the public declaration of my idea will arrive in time for this year’s feast.

I was pleased, though, at the thought of an extended family gathering for a feast with a rich array of delectable foods punctuated by great conversations, laughter, shared labors and shared rewards. I knew about the feast because this is a small city; my stylist is my neighbor’s sister-in-law, and she told me all about the plans last week. So, I was prepared for the tempting aroma.

My mind drifted from those blessed to those in need this day across our world. There are so very many. I wondered about how we are ever going to right the wrongs, settle the scores, balance the benefits, and make our world loving and righteous again. I believe it will only happen when we recognize regardless of our language or location that it’s all about relationships rather than power, it’s all about love rather than land, it’s all about unity rather than destruction of the different.

As I sat in the LORD’s presence with my thoughts and my deep desire to be a part of the solution rather than a contributor to the problem, my mind drifted to my beloved Savior’s teachings. And I thought of the parable of the Prodigal Son and the loving Father’s joy at his return. I know the Father Almighty wants nothing more than all His children to be present for that heavenly banquet. I thought of Jesus’ likening the Kingdom of Heaven to leavening.

And I was stirred to ask myself what I am doing to be that leaven in this world at this time. And then a peace overcame me, and I realized that peace isn’t something someone else gives to us, it is the wholeness and holiness bestowed upon us by our LORD’s Spirit. Will we be receptive? Will we work within our own places and relationships to let that peace, that desire for union with our LORD and one another, to permeate the world around us?

Be assured there will be a heavenly banquet. Will we be among those present? I pray that we will. And whom will we bring with us? As Christ’s disciples, we are called to bring Christ to others and others to Christ through our lives, our love, our faith and hope lived loudly and clearly. So all days, but especially this one, let us commit to sowing love when we encounter hatred, pardon when we are injured, faith when we meet doubt, hope in the presence of despair, the light of Christ to dispel the darkness in the world, and the joy of life in our LORD to treat the sadness of our sisters and brothers.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us offer our thanks to the LORD for His eternal power and presence, manifestations of a love that will be victorious ultimately. Let us give thanks for our lives and the lives of our family and friends. And let us follow our Savior’s example the night of His final dinner with his disciples; let us pick up the apron of humility and serve with love.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.