As our neighbours to the south celebrate Thanksgiving today, this meme came across my feed, and it just did my heart good.

In this year of mostly staying separate, I long for those noisy, chaotic dinners that mark most of our celebrations. I know in the past, there have been some of them that I took for granted. Or during which I was tired or cranky or otherwise disengaged. And now I would give just about anything to go back to one of those crowded, food-laden tables for just 5 minutes with a bunch of people that I love.

In the meantime, I will hold to hope. The hope of a time when those celebratory meals can resume. And the hope of the Heavenly Feast that is prepared for those who love and trust Jesus.

One day, there will be a table with space for absolutely everyone. One day, there will be a table laden with food where we will all gather. One day, everything will be whole and healed and redeemed. One day.

Until then, dear friends, keep holding to hope.