The Leaf In The Table

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10, NIV

WE WERE SNUGGLED under cozy handmade quilts and fluffy blankets. Books were piled all around, and we went through one after another. This was my favorite place to be—just my son and me nestled on the couch together, reading for hours.

My belly had grown bigger and rounder in the months leading up to this moment. I couldn’t sit in one position too long because our baby girl was kicking me or pushing on various internal organs. Change was coming, and I wondered if my heart could make room for another.

Could it really expand? Would I have enough love to go around? Would I feel the same affection for my daughter as I did for my son?

If I know anything about our God, it is that He always has room for another. His table is never too full. And we are fashioned in His likeness. We have hearts that can expand and make room.

Not long after my daughter arrived, I couldn’t believe that I now had two amazing small people to love. And my heart? It did expand! All at once, I was overwhelmed with love for another child. And a few short years later, it happened again. It seemed there was always room for one more.

God created us with purpose. He made us with gifts to bring others closer to Himself—voices to use, humor that heals, and encouraging words to build up others. He made each of us to have a seat at the table.

But often I forget this. I buy into the lie that only a certain amount of people are given seats at certain tables, and I am not welcome. When I began to speak, teach, and write, I wondered if my voice was already out there. Or if the space was too saturated. When I looked at the table of writers and speakers, it looked full.But this is impossible.

Who am I to tell God that I shouldn’t approach a table I feel pulled toward? Or if I find myself seated at a table I never thought I would be sitting at, who am I to think I don’t belong? I am the only one with my voice, my experiences, my stories, my dreams, my lens. Not only are there enough seats at this table, this table misses out if I don’t take one.

Sister, we so often sabotage ourselves. God turned five loaves and two fish into a feast for five thousand. He can expand tables that look too full. Don’t buy into the scarcity mentality. Instead, talk to the King about it, take a step of faith, pull out a chair, and use your gifts to serve a sister.

And once you’ve done so, do for others what you would want done for you. When you see a sister coming toward your table, make room for her. Welcome her. Cheer her on. Serve her. Expand your heart for her. Get out another chair and extend the table with a leaf of grace.

GRACE REFLECTION: Is there someone who comes to mind for whom you can make room at a table in your life? Does she need encouragement from you? In what ways can you welcome her to the table?