Bigger tables

Today is the most heavily traveled day of the year. Experts project that 54 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more on Thanksgiving Eve. There are checklists of things to remember and frustration about the things we forgot. We fuel up the car, toss in some pumpkin pie, a few kids, an equal number of tablets to kids, and suitcases of clothes.

And off we go...

Tomorrow, after a prayer of gratitude and thanks, the uncomfortable conversations are likely to begin. There will be some nervous laughter, some eye-rolls, some petty remarks, and probably some heated tones with elevated voices. There will also be hugs, smiles, retelling of embellished family stories, and food.

The whole concept of family is beautiful and messy. It can be a place of incredible grace, love, and joy. It can also be a place of frustration, pain, and loss.

So today, as so many people are driving to their family, I just want you to know how grateful I am for the family of God. At its best, the church is a place of refuge for people from all different walks of life, with all different kinds of stories. I want everyone in our community to know they have a place to belong this holiday season. I want the doors of Unity UMC to be open wide this holiday season. I can’t wait to see what God does as we make room at the table for new folks to find a home here.

What are you thankful for this holiday season?