Popcorn and Toast
John Edgerton
November 22, 2022
Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?
~Isaiah 55
We’ve officially entered “Charlie Brown” season in my house. This season starts at Halloween with the Great Pumpkin, and ends at Christmas with Linus’ famous Lukan soliloquy. And in the middle, of course, is Thanksgiving. My favorite part of the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is the impromptu Thanksgiving meal that Snoopy and Woodstock whip up to feed the hungry kids in need of a place at the table.
Granted, it’s popcorn and toast and jelly beans. But they took what they had, made what they could, and offered it up on the table for all to enjoy. This is a stance we ought to aspire to as Christians. We should not strive for perfection or polish when we gather. What is most important is presence, simple presence. The feast of God is held whenever the faithful gather to be with one another.
As you gather for Thanksgiving this year, in whatever form that may take, my prayer for you is this. That you bring yourself, and love yourself, and strive to love those you gather with for their best selves Even if that is more toast and popcorn than turkey with all the trimmin’s.
Prayer: God, thank you for the gift of breaking bread. May our holiday be a joy.
