By Stevie Mitchell,
creator of Stevie’s Table

Even as a little child just learning to read, the Holy Spirit was using books about Thanksgiving to imprint the importance of “life happens around the table” in my heart, mind, and soul.

Those words would one day become the centerpiece of a business I would own, and my heart’s desire to pass onto others. I’m a little slow sometimes at connecting dots, but this realization was an “A-HA!” moment for me earlier this week.

I love when God sends us reminders that He had a plan all along.

He was already bringing revelation way back when, sowing those beginning moments when principles are “taught and caught,” even though we may not make the connection until much later.  Here’s what led to my dot-connecting revelation this week.

As I was reflecting on what Thanksgiving means to me, I was surprised that my thoughts did not linger on all of the special meals I’ve prepared for treasured gatherings with my wonderful husband, children, and grandchildren over the years.  Instead, faded childhood memories surfaced from the past.

I remembered reading books about “the first” Thanksgiving. Details are fuzzy, but I have vivid recollections of Pilgrims, Indians, food, and a large table.  As if a video was playing in my mind’s eye, I saw just one page in each of those long-ago books.  Pages with different artists, yet sharing the same concept: A large table with everyone gathered around.  No matter how many people, there was always room.  There weren’t multiple tables -- just ONE.  And ALL were gathered there.

It makes me wonder if the pilgrims were not only giving thanks for God’s provision, but also being intentional in how they gathered because they understood the power of the table.  Just as Jesus had prepared a banqueting table for them, it was their job to invite others to take a seat at their table. 

As I continued to ponder, my heart smiled knowing that God never misses a beat. He uses every opportunity to reveal Himself! We may think its purpose is “this or that,” yet when He places His hand on an ordinary situation, extraordinary things happen!

In this time of year most prominently associated with gathering around a table, my “A-HA!” moment this week could not have come at a more perfect time. It actually brings Thanksgiving in my HEART.

I love everything about Thanksgiving. I love that it naturally causes us to reflect and be thankful.  To remember, to be generous, to dig deep and give a little more not only from our bank accounts, but from our hearts.

I love the natural opportunities it lends to put into action a heart that is focused on others.  I love that it causes us to expand our vision and look around.  I love all the prep, waking up to the smell of turkey, and watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade while cooking.  I love trying out new recipes.  I love seeing sleepy eyes peak around the corner mid-morning…reminding me my family and friends are home!  I even love that I get to end the day in my PJ’s, watching Christmas movies.

Here’s what I love the most about Thanksgiving most of all: It is celebrated around the table. 

On Thanksgiving Day, at some point our family will all come together and sit at ONE table. There will be the sound of chewing, laughter, maybe a few tears, encouraging words, memories, and lots of stories.  And especially, a time to pause and give thanks for all that God has done for us.  He is the most important One to remember to invite to the table.

One of my all-time favorite Bible stories is the feeding of 5,000 people with just 5 loaves and 2 fish.*  I love everything about this story!  Jesus used a little boy, created a “table” of sorts in the middle of nowhere, and multiplied the food to feed thousands.  And it wasn’t just a nibble He supplied for their hunger.  When everyone had their fill of food, there were 12 baskets of leftovers! I am confident their lives were transformed by partaking of this “banquet” of supernaturally multiplied food.

For me, it’s a great reminder that when we create an atmosphere for the Holy Spirit’s presence at our table, He always shows up and miracles flow.

How do you view your table?

My prayer is that you’ll see its true potential, beyond an ordinary piece of wood.  Not only on Thanksgiving, but every day, it only takes being intentional to create an atmosphere for extraordinary things to happen.  Invite the power of His presence, and experience The Power of The Table!

Stevie Mitchell is a pastor, entrepreneur and creator of Stevie’s Table.  Her passion for bringing family, friends and faith together around the table is the inspiration behind her business and her mission she shares with others. Visit her online marketplace at www.SteviesTable.com

Stevie’s Scripture reSOURCEs

*Read about the feeding of 5,000 in all four gospels:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A13-21&version=NIV ;

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+6%3A31-44&version=NIV ;

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+9%3A12-17&version=NIV ;

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+6%3A1-14&version=NIV