Set Another Place at the Table
You probably know someone who doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving. This is not some “war on Christmas”, and it is not to say they are ungrateful, it is probably that they are just not American - or at least their heart culture is not American. Many Americans are shocked to realize that no one else in the world celebrates Thanksgiving. And when reminded about indians and pilgrims they think back to 3rd grade skits and realize that it is a distinclty American holiday. Many internationals will spend Thanksgiving at the local Chinese restaurant, or just sitting at home enjoying the day off. Many of those internationals may wish they were eating turkey with Americans but the truth is that most internationals have not been befriended by Americans and have no one to invite them. You probably know internationals. In 2015 in America it is almost impossible for you to not rub shoulders regularly with internationals. My challenge to you this Thanksgiving is to put the shopping on hold, at least until Friday, and invite an international friend or international family to join yours for Thanksgiving.
The last few years we have had international students and scholars join us for Thanksgiving. There is always plenty of food, we got creative with seating, and our holiday was enhanced by their presence every time. Sure, I have an unfair advantage, as it is my job to meet and welcome international students, but consider a couple of things: 1. It is a biblical mandate to show hospitality to foreigners (Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not neglect to show hospitality to foreigners...") 2. There are internationals in your life - you just have to notice them. Their children are in your kid's class. They own your favorite chinese or mexican restaurant. They study at the university nearby. They work at your local grocery store. Maybe they even live in your neighborhood.
They may find your invitation to join you in a family holiday weird. That's OK. They may politely decline - but I promise the invitation will be received well. My wife invited an older Indian couple that she works with to our Thanksgiving last year. They politely declined and said they didn't want to intrude on our family meal. A few months later, after Chyloe's relationship with them grew, the wife told Chyloe that the reason they declined was that our house and our kitchen have had pork cooked and eaten in them, and as devout Muslims they couldn't eat in our house - a moment of trust oh her part that never would have been had my wife not extended her an invitation. And even still, the kindness of the invitation spoke volumes to them. This year I have already invited 7 internationals to join us (I haven’t told my wife yet, maybe she will read this and find out). That’s more room than we have at our table, but we have plenty of room in our lives for them.
Take a step of faith this Thanksgiving. Pray that the Lord would open doors to allow an international family to join your for Turkey. I promise you will be glad you did.
The last few years we have had international students and scholars join us for Thanksgiving. There is always plenty of food, we got creative with seating, and our holiday was enhanced by their presence every time. Sure, I have an unfair advantage, as it is my job to meet and welcome international students, but consider a couple of things: 1. It is a biblical mandate to show hospitality to foreigners (Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not neglect to show hospitality to foreigners...") 2. There are internationals in your life - you just have to notice them. Their children are in your kid's class. They own your favorite chinese or mexican restaurant. They study at the university nearby. They work at your local grocery store. Maybe they even live in your neighborhood.
They may find your invitation to join you in a family holiday weird. That's OK. They may politely decline - but I promise the invitation will be received well. My wife invited an older Indian couple that she works with to our Thanksgiving last year. They politely declined and said they didn't want to intrude on our family meal. A few months later, after Chyloe's relationship with them grew, the wife told Chyloe that the reason they declined was that our house and our kitchen have had pork cooked and eaten in them, and as devout Muslims they couldn't eat in our house - a moment of trust oh her part that never would have been had my wife not extended her an invitation. And even still, the kindness of the invitation spoke volumes to them. This year I have already invited 7 internationals to join us (I haven’t told my wife yet, maybe she will read this and find out). That’s more room than we have at our table, but we have plenty of room in our lives for them.
Take a step of faith this Thanksgiving. Pray that the Lord would open doors to allow an international family to join your for Turkey. I promise you will be glad you did.
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