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Tricia mccary rhodes

Room at the Table

11/22/2016

7 Comments

 
There was the year those teenage girls—my older sisters and our sort of adopted sister Sharon--hid all the Thanksgiving leftovers on the roof while the adults took a tryptophan timeout.  We told that story over and over until it became legend around our Thanksgiving table.

I wrote Carol yesterday to ask her how that whole thing started, and she said Sharon probably instigated it, knowing her.  I don’t think Sharon had to do much arm-twisting, knowing Carol.  Of course, Sue was ever the silent accomplice!

Sharon had come to live with us when her mom found herself suddenly single, with four children, and no way to care for them financially.  All it took was a phone call and mom and dad were all in.  Sharon moved in and became like a sister, and has been now for decades. 

As I look across the landscape of my early life, I see a long line of sojourners who found a place in our home and at our table.  Although we didn’t have a lot --dad usually worked two or three jobs to feed his family of seven--there was always room for one more.  I don’t know how mom did it, but honestly, she was as good at multiplying those loaves and fishes as Jesus himself.  
Picture
PictureThis year's favors--made with waffle cones!
This Thursday on my 64th Thanksgiving, an eclectic assortment of 26 (and growing) folks will gather around our table out in the garden to share our gratitude for this year’s blessings (San Diego—what can I say?).  I am having so much fun getting ready, and am deeply thankful for the heritage I’ve been given. 

This morning as I reminisced, I started thinking:  What if every family made room at their table this Thanksgiving for just one more person?  I don’t have to tell you that there are lonely, hurting, displaced people all around us—from traumatized refugees who barely get by, to our neighbors or co-workers who left families back in the Midwest, or our teenager’s friend whose parents will be drunk, or the homeless woman with her two kids and a sign on the corner. What if every family who loves Jesus made room for one just of these? It’s never too late for you to get in on being blessed in the giving. 

Picture
PictureSharon on the right, me on the left!
​Now back to the roof.  Our tradition is to eat Thanksgiving early afternoon, cover the leftovers on the table until evening and then snack on them again.  So that year, as the adults napped, those girls hauled dad’s ladder to the side of the house, and one of them handed up the leftovers to the others—every platter, until the table was bare.  It was dark by then, so they decided to just stay up there, which wasn’t very smart since the ladder was a sure giveaway and it didn’t take long for mom and dad to figure it out.  Dad wanted to sneak up on them with a hose, but mom vetoed the idea, not wanting a repast of soaked turkey and runny mashed potatoes.   
​

To be honest, I don’t know if I remember that story itself, or just the telling of it, but it always reminds me of the love and laughter a girl named Sharon brought to our house, simply because my parents were in the habit of making room at the table for one more.

​So crowd your plates a little closer and add someone to your crowd this Thanksgiving--you will be glad you did. Happy Thanksgiving!

7 Comments
Victoria L Harr link
11/22/2016 06:11:39 pm

Too funny! It's hard to imagine you being a part of this escapade, but I certainly can picture Carol and Susie participating.

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Susie
11/22/2016 06:44:28 pm

I think a Little tiny bit of Porsche is all Carolyn I needed. It was fun and even though it was cold in Northern California in the end of November, it's something I would do all over again if I was given the chance. And I'm so grateful we have a mom and dad who could see the humor in it.

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Tricia link
11/26/2016 02:48:19 pm

I think you meant "push" but I agree--mom and dad were able to laugh right along.

Sharon Swanson
11/24/2016 12:39:29 pm

How fun to remember those "good old days." I had forgotten that episode--we had so many. Glad to be a part of your Thanksgiving memories. It is raining in Washington today, so no outdoor picnic for us but the day is being spent with family and friends. I will pass on the story. Of course the best part is that the McCary family embraced me with open arms and your love for Christ and each other was a life altering experience and continues to inspire me. Thanking you with much lots ve. Sharon

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Tricia link
11/26/2016 02:49:23 pm

Sharon--it was so fun remembering those days. Enjoy the rain--you are a blessing to us!

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Mary Sue Adams
11/26/2016 05:49:27 am

Wonderful story! How fun it must have been to grow up in a large family. How precious is your perspective on God's working in every situation!

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Tricia link
11/26/2016 02:49:57 pm

Yes, it was always a little crazy, and lots of fun Mary Sue!

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    Tricia McCary Rhodes

    Author of 7 books and pastor of Global Leadership Development at All Peoples Church in San Diego, Tricia specializes in helping others experience God’s presence through practicing soul-care.   

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  • Blog
  • CONTEMPLATING THE CROSS
    • Daily Lent Scriptures
  • Christmas Devotionals
  • Website
  • books
  • Soul at Rest Book
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  • Season of Uncertainty
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