Thanksgiving Buffet

THANKSGIVING BUFFET

by Brenda L. Agee

 

          Thanksgiving Day and my thoughts always go back to the buffet when I was little.  It was filled with wonders and delicious treats just like the tables or buffets in homes across our country.  But I wasn't aware of their buffets, just ours.  The dining room table, which was also in the kitchen, was filled with large dishes of food and the air we breathed that day was filled with marvelous aromas.  But for me, it was to the buffet I repeatedly returned.  We all have our favorites but my oldest sister's cream cheese stuffed dates were divine.  Plus, they were the closest to the edge so they were easy to get to! 

 

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in 

Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

          

          I was one of the youngest (the 10th out of 12 children) and most of the older ones had already moved away, gotten married, and were having children of their own.  Everyone was excited to see who would arrive next and what dishes and treats they were bringing to add to the already crowded table and buffet.  One year the older ones would come home for Thanksgiving and then go to their in-laws for Christmas and the next year they would switch.  So they only came home every other Thanksgiving.  

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the

 Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

          When I was really small I couldn't reach the middle of the table so I couldn't sneak anything.  But, the buffet was eye level and much more narrow so I could reach around and over and take little samples, or tidbits, of whatever I chose.  My mother or one of my older sisters occasionally caught me and I had to stop, but soon they were busy elsewhere and I was back at the buffet for my samples.  Some foods were the same from year to year but there were always new recipes that my sisters made so, yes, it was a feast.  

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: 

be thankful unto him, and bless his name.   Psalm 100:4

          I loved walking around the kitchen and listening to my mother and older sisters and sister-in-law talking and laughing.  When it was time to eat, Daddy would say the blessing and thank God for not only the food, but for what he most thankful for; his family.  Always it brought tears to his eyes and to they eyes of mama and my older siblings.  I was too young to understand then, but I understand now!  

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, 

to the which also ye are called in one body; 

and be ye thankful.   Colossians 3:15

          There were so many of us that we couldn't sit around the table so we just found a place somewhere and for most of us, put our plate on our laps.  At first everything was a bit quiet but it was easy to tell when people started getting full because the talking increased.  

Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, 

make known his deeds among the people.

I Chronicles 16:8

          The boys would go out and play football while the men watched a game on television.  The women cleaned up and talked and the girls . . . I don't know what they all did because I think I was still looking at what was left on the buffet!

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, 

and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalm 26:7

  

       For days afterward, I would close my eyes at bedtime and let the excitement play over and over in my head until I drifted off to sleep.  Little tidbits of food, food for thought, laughter, gratitude, praise to God, and thanksgiving remain in my memories.  That is what this blog is also: little tidbits of praise, thanksgiving, gratitude, and laughter.  

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through 

our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 15:57

And on Wednesday night, Thanksgiving Eve, remember to tell yourselves:

 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, 

which causes through us thanksgiving to God.   

2 Corinthians 9:11

          My last thought for you this holiday is . . .

 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: 

because his mercy endures for ever.

Psalm 118:1

May God Bless you and may you have a wonderful Thanksgiving . . . 

Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the 

remembrance of his holiness.   Psalm 30:4

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Oh Father, Righteous God, may I always be grateful for Your blessings of Salvation through Your love and mercy, through Your Son, Jesus Christ.  May I sing of Your praises to all generations for Your mercy endures forever.  Thank You, my Lord, for life, for those You have entrusted unto me to love, for those who love me.  Thank You, for I come to You with a grateful heart for all You have given and provided.  Be glorified, oh my God, be glorified!   In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen!