Room at the Table

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Swarzy

Good morning!

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but my Christmas decorations are UP! Before you judge me, I’m filming a Christmas podcast around my kitchen table this month. So the tree’s up, and the fairy lights are going berserk! You can practically see my flat from the tube station!

Christmas can be beautiful, but it can be bittersweet too. And as someone who loves hosting, I’m already thinking about who I could invite round this year.
Someone living far from family? A colleague working through Christmas? A new parent who could do with dinner and company? I know firsthand what a difference hospitality makes.

A few years ago, life felt like swimming through crashing waves. Every time I caught my breath, another wave swallowed me up. But a family from church, the Marriners, welcomed me into their home. Their girls shared a room so I could sleep in the eldest daughter’s bedroom. They gave me space to work, set a plate for me at the dinner table every night and let me rest when I was exhausted. No pressure. No expectations. Just love. They welcomed me like family. And to this day, we still are.
Psalm 68 reminds us that God places the lonely in families. And during one of my loneliest seasons, I experienced His care through the Marriners.

I pray.

Father God, thank you for placing the lonely in families. For anyone facing life’s storms, lead them towards people who will love and welcome them. And for those of us who have received such generous welcome and love, show us who we can invite in. Help us make room at our tables and in our hearts.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As Christmas approaches, perhaps someone in your circles needs more than a present this year. Maybe the greatest gift you can give is a place at your table.

Bless you!