Hebrews 13:2
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares"
At this time of year, we all gather for Thanksgiving dinners and the company of family and friends. I remember the year my mother accidentally showed me the best representation of Thanksgiving I have ever seen. I can’t for the life of me remember the exact year but somewhere between 86-88 let’s say. Now for the story……
Twas the night before Thanksgiving and Mom and Charlie were down at the local tavern Martins enjoying some holiday cheer. As she looked around the bar Mom saw several people who she knew and also knew they had nowhere to go for Thanksgiving the next day. They were not welcome at their family or friend’s homes due to their attitudes, rudeness, and other assorted issues.
Donald and Danny Chattin, who could hardly stand to be in the same room together. Mike and Francis Link, who were known to be troublemakers. Joey Racine, who just got divorced, and had nowhere to go. Richard “Tree” Bush who was an alcoholic and not welcomed at his family gatherings. Even one man she didn't even know, but she later said, "he looked sad and depressed”, so she invited him too!
My mother went to each one and invited him to dinner the next day, told them where to come to and what time etc. Charlie was rolling his eyes, but knew Mom was too kindhearted to not invite people she knew were down and out. Thanksgiving dawned and Mom realized what she had done but figured they guys she invited would not really take her up on her invitation. To be safe we did have a 25-pound turkey and 15-pound ham and all the trimmings.
Around noon “Tree” shows up in a suit carrying his knife set and apron (he was a chef after all), He immediately went to kitchen and helped prep and prepare food. Slowly the rest of the invited guys arrived. Now most did not have suits, but they wore slacks and button downs, even a tie, and those who did not have that wore their best jeans and flannels.
At dinner these men whom their own families did not want, sat down together for a meal. We all held hands and said grace each man with his head bowed and eyes closed. Then these men who under normal circumstances would have been fighting by now passed around dishes, saying “Please” and Thank You” each time and pardon me if they reached in front. After dinner they all pitched in to clear the table and do the dishes etc.
We may not have had much for leftovers that year, but it was the best example of a true Thanksgiving I have ever seen. And each year I think of it still.
No one remembered ever seeing that stranger before, or since and no one knows his name, kind of makes you wonder....
