A TABLE BEFORE MY FRIENDS

A few weeks ago, I wrote about a table before my enemies.  Today I want to tell you about another table.  This really should be titled:  A TABLE WITH MY FRIENDS.  Last Sunday we had a pitch-in dinner.  I wonder if there is anyone who has never attended a pitch-in dinner.  Some call it a carry-in.  Either way, it is just plain good food and great fellowship.

Walking into the church kitchen/dining room, the first thing noticed is the aroma.  Fried chicken.  Chicken and noodles.  Casseroles.  Green beans.  Then there is the salad table.  Pea salad.  Broccoli salad.  Potato salad.  Deviled eggs.  (Wonder why they call them that.)  Vegetable tray.  And more!  Of course after filling your plate, at least once, it is time to attack – I mean it is time to go calmly to the dessert table.  Do not fear.  I was told they were all calorie free and I am sure that is true because who would lie in church?  Every inch of that table was filled.  Chocolate cake.  Strawberry dessert.  Cookies.  Pie.  And more!  HOW MUCH BETTER COULD LIFE BE?

Actually – truthfully – honestly – the food could not come close to the fellowship.  I swear (the good kind of swear – like putting your hand on the Bible) the sound of chatter and laughter was so loud you couldn’t have heard if 30 motorcycles had roared into the parking lot.  I am not sure how anyone was eating for talking and laughing.  Usually, once the food comes out, it will get quiet.  Not around this bunch.  They must have taken Talk While Eating 101. 

Then I looked around.  There were adults sitting with kids.  And they were talking with each other.  There were younger adults scattered among older adults.  And they were talking with each other.  Even when the plates were being picked up, no one seemed to leave. 

I believe the angels were looking down and saw genuine fellowship.

I believe God loved the sound of our pitch-in dinner.

I believe Jesus turned to the Father and said, “Those are my sheep.”