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You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
Psalm 23:5 (NIV)

That Thursday morning dawned grey and bleak, matching my mood. Only seven months into widowhood, I was facing my first Thanksgiving without my beloved.

I had insisted my daughter spend the day out of town with friends because I knew I would most likely not be very good company. She only agreed to go after I promised her I would attend a gathering at a local church with some friends.

As the morning progressed, I kept thinking of excuses to gracefully bow out. My mind was filled with memories of past holiday celebrations and I missed my husband terribly. I could not imagine how I would get through the day without breaking down. There would be no turkey, no fine dishes, no special appetizer tray and – no husband.

However, I remembered my promise to my daughter and knew she would be terribly upset if she found out I had spent the day alone. So, I made my way to the church and as soon as I entered the door the enemies of loneliness and sorrow started screaming at me. I wanted to turn around and run! But God had a different plan! Before I could make a quick exit, my friend appeared, got me settled in and ushered me to the appetizer table.

I could not believe what I saw before me! Seeing my shock, my friend was very concerned, until I explained to her that this was exactly the same type of foods I had made for my family for so many holiday meals – exactly the same – cheeses, pickles, olives, meat, crackers – even the dip. Now, there is no possible way the person who prepared this array could have known my family history – but God did! When I was able to talk to the dear lady who had prepared these treats, she told me she just felt “led” to do it this way this year “for some reason”.

After a pleasant time of fellowship and enjoying a sampling of it all, I found myself ready to break down and made a hasty retreat to the ladies room. Thankfully, I was alone and, after composing myself, my intention was to once again find a way to leave. But, once again, God had another plan! As soon as I returned to the gathering, my friend was waiting for me and ushered me to a table for the meal.

Once again, I was met with a surprise. There before me was a table set with some of the most beautiful dishes I have ever seen – a full set of red depression glass – complete with candlesticks. I felt like royalty. This was so different from the paper plate dinner at the care center the year before.

And, what a meal it was! Would it surprise you when I say the meal included all of the foods I was accustomed to having? Everything was the same – even to the detail of the jellied cranberry sauce (my personal favorite).

It came time to leave and, on the drive home, as I was thanking God for His love and care, He sent me this message -” Beloved today I prepared a table for you in the presence of your enemies”. And yes He did – for my enemies that day were taunting me – the enemies of grief, loneliness and fear of the future – I sat and I ate at the table God Himself (with the help of many servants) provided for me.

And now dear sisters, as another Thanksgiving is upon us I remember as the Psalmist did in Psalm 77 – “I remember all the works You have done and the wonderful deeds”.

I will rest easy knowing that He has only good things for me – this Thanksgiving and every day yet to come.

Dear Father, Sometimes my loneliness and sorrow clouds my vision of You in my life. I know You are there and always with me. I thank You for Your loving care and provision. I ask that You bless each of my dear sisters in the days ahead. Amen