Time is precious. We have no idea what tomorrow holds. The Disciples were unaware when they took their seats around that holy table with Jesus that it would be their last meal with him. I remember the last Thanksgiving meal I had with my grandparents when they were well. My sisters, parents and grandparents gathered around my mother’s beautifully set table at Buttermoon Farm in South Carolina. I sat to my grandfather’s right. We enjoyed turkey, cornbread dressing, two kinds of cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and green beans, Barbara’s homemade biscuits, and pecan pie—as was family tradition. What I remember especially about that meal is my grandfather, Papa J.B., paid me a compliment for my bravery working and living in New York City in the aftermath of the September 11^th terrorist attack. He saw me larger than I saw myself. I left the table glowing.

Jesus was the master at elevating ordinary moments to the sacred and making people feel seen and celebrated. Jesus never took time for granted. He knew every moment was precious, so he made each count.

We live as if there will always be a next time to say, do, hear, forgive—love. The time is now to speak your heart, extend mercy, reconcile, share love extravagantly (as if it is your last time to do it). Make it your mission to gift a word of encouragement to each person at this year’s table. Watch how it transforms the meal into one you won’t forget.

The disciples left the Last Supper fuller for having been there. They had no idea what the future held, but they knew without question they were loved. We may gift that kind of nourishment to people around our own tables. One does not have to be a priest to bless the ordinary and make it holy. Anyone can deposit a little bit of goodness into another’s heart and make them glow. Look around this coming Thanksgiving table at your mom, dad, aunt, son, daughter, spouse, mother or father-in-law and friend. Quietly give thanks because the moment is unrepeatable and it could very well be the last.

Nothing truly matters except the love you leave in people.

Have a blessed one!

This rendition below of Stand By Me by Stephen Wilson Jr takes my breath away!