my imperfect Thanksgiving table

"Give thanks to the Lord, for His is good. His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1

My Thanksgiving table dilemma... 12 to eat, BUT only 8 seats.  The simple solution, use 2 tables.  BUT how could i without making some feel second class or like leftovers? After brooding a few days, a friend suggested, "extend your table". BUT with no natural extensions, creativity was necessary.  My husband cut, glued and screwed pieces of plywood to one of his old work tables, then slid slats underneath it.  Whoa-la! a 7 ft. square table, perfect for seating 12. 

BUT, i had no tablecloth wide enough to cover up the homemade, pieced-together table. BUT with several layers of cloths, i finally covered up the imperfect top. Excited and now in the mood, i proceeded to set the table, 12 matching plates -- BUT then that was it! The hodge-podge table display included 11 matching glasses and another; silverware from 2 patterns; 8 chairs and 2 sets of different chairs.  Oddly, it reminded me of my guests.

Underneath our smiles, we sometimes mask hurt, pain and disappointments we've endured.  YET, thanks to God, we are covered in His love and healing occurs.   We are individuals with different ideas, goals and wants. YET, we are united as family; and together we are like a painted masterpiece by the Creator... set in this world to let His light shine through our various gifts and talents so others may taste and see the LORD is good.

Imperfect table, imperfect people. YET, with a perfect God we are covered in His grace and mercy and love.  We truly have an abundance to be thankful for!  Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal