Good morning…
Walking our dog Tate, I came upon a young mom and two adorable daughters, quite likely around ages four and six.
“It’s our neighbors’ table!” the youngest blurted out, excited about the newly placed wooden table with two long benches sitting beneath the trees at the end of their driveway. Talking back and forth a while, I admired their creative way of welcoming connection during these cloistering COVID holidays.
“We’re decorating our table for all of our neighbors anytime they want to stop by for a visit,” the oldest happily chimed in.
I walked on with a warmed heart, and they skipped inside to find more decorations. Looping back around, on my way home I was hoping to snap a photo of this joy-giving threesome. Though they were not outside, their infectious Spirit of love was impossible to miss.
Their gracious gesture of hospitality reminded me of a tradition we used to do annually when our kids were young. In our foyer, we would create out of paper a large wall-sized Christmas tree, coloring it in as a family with whimsy joy. Cutting circular balls from different colored construction paper, we kept a large stash in a small dish. Any time a friend or a neighbor would visit our home over the holidays, they were invited to put their name on a Christmas ornament, taping it onto our handmade tree.
During this unusual Thanksgiving-Christmas season, fewer friends and neighbors may venture inside our homes. Boldly brainstorming with God, in what ways might we “decorate a neighbors’ table” at the end of our driveway to creatively connect in COVID-friendly ways?
Always set the bread of the Presence on the table before Me (Exodus 25:30, TLV).
…Sue…
