Thanksgiving Eve

Twas the day before Thanksgiving and all through the hood
There was hunger and poverty; life was not good.

But in the heart of a pastor was a cry for the poor
He sent his church to the streets to tell them there’s more.

With turkeys and stuffing, green beans and corn bread
He wanted relationship; he wanted them fed.

But the clock was against us and the need was so great,
There were still hungry people; too hungry to wait.

So we opened the doors and invited them in,
Sat them down at a table that was set by the King.

They came as they were, broken and bruised
Gathered from the hedges of North Baton Rouge.

They came in their boots, some in short mini skirts
There were Sunday-best outfits and faded work shirts.

But whatever their outward appearance confessed
They were seated with dignity and we served them our best.

There was food and festivities amongst neighbors and friends
But time soon slipped away, dinner came to an end.

They packed up their children and hugged us good-bye.
They thanked us with words and the look in their eyes.

For that window in time they weren’t poor or unstable,
They were guests of the King, with a seat at His table.

As they stepped from the building back into the dark
I prayed that God’s love would envelop their hearts.

Thanksgiving is not just one day in November.
It’s a lifestyle of love; the forgotten remembered.

It’s not about turkey or stuffing or cake.
It’s the life that we live and the choices we make.

Happy Thanksgiving…every day!