I spoke briefly at the Women's Christmas Tea at my church this weekend. The theme was "Welcome to my Table" and I shared a bit about the beauties who sit at my table each day! Enjoy my cheesy tie ins to the theme :)

The knock on the door is like clockwork most afternoons at my house. It’s 2:55pm and if you know me at all you can probably picture my kitchen covered in cupcakes and frosting with a minimum of three to do lists hiding under all of the mess. I have a quick thought to hit the floor as I know they can’t see me but their laughter quickly changes my mind. I round the corner to the window at the door and I hear the announcement to the crowd, “She’s home!” followed by running feet and laughter. I am greeted by multiple smiles and great big hugs and quickly they come filing in. Somedays there are just a few, most days at least 10 sweet little babes. These are my neighbors that come to my table and without a doubt I can always say the cup at my table overflows. They make their way to various places in the house- the girls in the craft room, the boys fighting over the wii that we consistently can never figure out, and a few little ones at my feet trying to get a lick of frosting or a treat of some sort- they are smart kids. I have four hundred things I should accomplish before the middle school crowd arrives but those things quickly exit my mind as I listen to a story, quiz spelling words and lose in wii bowling almost every time. A quick 40 minutes and it’s time to clean up the glitter and pass out the Hershey kisses and I love yous  as I usher them out the door. In my heart I’m so grateful they sit at my table but devastated to send them away so quickly.

             Then before I know it the middle school kids begin to pile in. I’ve created a space for them at the table and with the help of an incredible team of volunteers we welcome and love them as they come through the door. This love might look like a plate of pancakes or sometimes just  a genuine hello how are you is all it takes. We have our trials, we spill milk and sometimes we even cry but above all else we try to serve patience, grace and above all else love. 6 usually quickly rolls around and we begin the cleanup and goodbye routine. This usually includes one moment of frustration with a gentle reminder to serve them patience. I normally take a few kids home and have some sacred car moments where suddenly barriers no longer exist and I listen and share. This is my table!

I don’t really know a life outside of this. My home has always been a place filled with kids and laughter my whole adult life.  It may sound just like roses, and a dream come true. Most days it is and all I can do is thank the good Lord for entrusting me with such a reality and opportunity as this. But, some weeks the days of why and how fill my head more than the smell of roses.  With having a table such as this comes the reality that my children live each day. Adults have wronged them, hunger has owned them and fear has changed them. They don’t always trust adults, they don’t always respect as though we often think we deserve and some days they just plain make you want to clear the table. But, if I pause for one second and “enjoy a meal” with them suddenly I once again can smell the roses. Their stories of loss, death, inconsistency and insecurity have caused in me a desire to show Jesus to them in the most real way possible. Luckily I am covered and filled with just as much grace as they need – enough grace to keep me seated at this table. 

At youth group at Wesley this week we read the birth story of Jesus. The kids then were asked to play a character in birth story of Jesus and interview them. Kid after kid they chose to be Mary and seem to be awestruck by her story. Funny as I so lightly state that Mary was the mother of Jesus and place her so easily in the manger scene, but yet through their child-like eyes they are fascinated. In Luke 1 it says this

Luke 1:38 and 46-55
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.

Our challenge as we left was to choose to be Mary in our lives throughout the week. This meant in their words to be strong and humble and filled with grace.  I told them I’d be taking on the challenge too. As we were leaving just a few days ago and my patience was wearing thin one of the sweet girls must have sense my temptation to clear the table and she ever so gently reminded me of the story of Mary- to be strong, humble and filled with grace. So, that is what I will strive to serve each day at the table He has set before me. I am the Lord’s servant, may my soul glorify the Lord.