There’s Always Room for One More

There’s a moment in almost every Thanksgiving gathering when someone asks, “Where are we going to put everybody?” You count the chairs. You count the people. You briefly consider whether the folding chair in the garage still qualifies as furniture. Then you make it work. Someone scoots over, you squeeze in another place setting, and everyone agrees the table needed less room for decorations anyway. The mashed potatoes deserve that space. Making room can be that simple, but you have to notice who needs a seat.

In Romans 15:7, Paul writes, “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

Those words give us a good place to start: Christ has welcomed you. He knows your worries, your mistakes, and the things you hope nobody brings up over dinner. He loves you. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus gives you forgiveness and a place in God’s family. You receive that welcome by grace, before you have anything impressive to bring to the table.

That’s a welcome you can share. As Thanksgiving approaches, you may know someone whose plans are still uncertain. A neighbor is spending the holiday alone. A coworker whose family lives far away. Someone is facing their first holiday after losing a person they love.

They may never ask to join you. Asking can feel awkward, especially when you assume everyone else already has a full house and a full schedule. You can make the first move.

“We’re eating around two. We’d love to have you.” Your invitation can be that ordinary. You can serve the meal you already planned in the house you actually live in. Nobody needs you to become a magazine cover before Thursday.

The same welcome belongs at church. You know where to park, which door to use, and when to stand up. Someone visiting for the first time may be trying to figure out all three while hoping they haven’t taken somebody’s unofficial assigned seat. You can introduce yourself. Ask their name, then use it when you see them again. Invite them to sit with you. During coffee time, make a little space in your conversation and help them join in.

These small moments matter because people notice when you make room for them. They feel the difference between standing near a group and being welcomed into it.

You may feel a little awkward yourself. That’s okay. A sincere hello can survive a clumsy introduction. Your guest can survive hearing your uncle’s favorite story twice. Most of us have had years of practice.

As you make your plans this season, think about someone you’d enjoy getting to know better, or someone you haven’t seen in a while. Pray for them. Then give them a call.

You probably already have a name in mind.

“We’d love to have you join us” is a good place to start.

Kelsey Wilbern – New Member Coordinator