The day after Thanksgiving, I hosted my in-laws and parents at my new house for the first time. I spent the day cleaning, decorating, and prepping to the best of my abilities. After all, as a southern woman, it was my first time hosting such an event!
When everything was dusted and done, it came time to set the table.
I had purchased a phenomenal set of paper goods to use. It was the best our local Sam’s Club had to offer! And I, for one, was already excited about the ease of cleanup. But as I started to take the plastic wrap off those fake plates, I was reminded of the boxes of Lenox dishes that many loved ones had gifted me for my wedding.
I trudged to our storage closet and pulled out never-used-before plates, bowls, saucers, and cups. In my head, they were to be saved and used only for “special occasions.” And in the almost year and a half I possessed them, I’d never even taken off the stickers.
As I looked at each of these beautiful plates, I started thinking, “What really is a special occasion?”
Is it the celebration of a baby? A big announcement? Is it a wedding party? A birthday? Hmmm. Maybe an anniversary or retirement? What is it that makes a day worthy of celebration?
And in the middle of my great conundrum, I recalled a verse I’d memorized long ago.
This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:4).
The thought made me grin.
Because in the crazy busy Western world I live in, I have been trained to only view monumental moments as “special” days and occasions. When in fact, each day that I open my eyes is an important day and filled with grace, because the Lord allowed it to happen. And like those wedding dishes, each day is a gift.
As I started to peel off those stickers and set my table, I thought about the Last Supper.
Jesus knew.
At that moment, He knew that in mere hours He’d be on His way to Golgotha. His trial was approaching, the cross was looming, and the tomb’s door was about to be closed. But what did He do?
He dined.
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer (Luke 22:14-15).
He sat at a prepared table across from the one He knew who would set God’s ultimate plan in motion.
But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table (Luke 22:21).
Judas. That awful, vile, terrible friend was the one who did it. He’d sold the spotless Lamb for what a slave would cost. Yet, here he was, dining at the same table as Jesus.
The weight of the world lay on His shoulders, but He still ate. And I believe that dinner was precious to Him. Jesus was dining with His closest earthly companions, and He knew it was an important night. He wanted to prepare them for what was to come and cherish the time He had left.
And every single day, He invites me to that same table. He knew I’d betray Him; He knew it would be my sins sending him to that horrific death, but He did it anyway. Even now, He chooses to let me have cherished moments in His presence.
He also has given me the opportunity to dine with those who I cherish most in this world. Even if they irritate me or make me want to pull my hair out at times – what is more special than the opportunity to serve my husband a hot meal? Or provide dinner for parents who have given me all that they could? What about time spent laughing and eating with siblings and friends?
Yes, big events are important, and they should be celebrated. However, nothing is more special than the time He grants us with Himself and our loved ones. Tomorrow isn’t promised.
Use the nice plates.
