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Keep the Oven On

  • Nikki White
  • November 17, 2022
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One year, it became clear that our family had outgrown Grandma Barb’s Thanksgiving table.

I offered to open my home for the feast since I was next in the legacy line. But as I thumbed through a recipe box and dusted off platters, I came to an alarming revelation.

While our family had increased in number, I was a bit short on expertise.

“So, Barb, umm… Please tell me what to do,” I asked one day, paper and pen in hand.

“Just set the table, boil the water, and turn on the oven,” she instructed.

“That’s all?” I asked incredulously.

“That’s all,” she said with a laugh.

When the big day came, I did as I was told. Family members pulled chairs up to the table one by one, but there was no Grandma Barb.

I checked my watch. Had I misunderstood?

“Cheese and crackers?” I offered, knowing it was not enough to satisfy this crowd. Hope began to evaporate like the boiling water on the stove.

But then a car door slammed, and a voice called out, “Can I get a little help here?”

We all ran to carry in the feast Grandma had been working on behind the scenes. The turkey burst with stuffing, gravy oozed over the potatoes, and I set the pies in the oven to warm.

“Don’t forget the noodles,” she said, emptying them into the boiling pan.

When we bowed our heads in thanks, I was reminded of how extravagant the Lord’s provision is, especially in the areas we most lack.

Whether the Lord has brought good things to your table this year or you are still waiting—keep the oven on. A feast is on the way.

“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things (Psalm 107:9).

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Nikki White

Nikki S. White is the heart behind Just a Broken Believer, a Christian blog with a mission to encourage fellow Jesus followers in their faith walk Home. Nikki and her husband, Chuck, live in a 1,000 square foot corner of her Michigan hometown, a few steps away from their two married children, and the world's most beautiful and highly-advanced grandchildren. When she's not at her desk, you'll find her reorganizing closets, browsing antique shops, or sitting on the beach waiting to witness another spectacular Lake Michigan sunset.

4 comments
  1. Abigail Wallace says:
    November 21, 2022 at 8:46 am

    I am just grinning ear to ear with worship! What a good, kind God to provide so generously. Through your generous heart and through generous Grandma Barb.

    Reply
    1. Nikki S White says:
      November 22, 2022 at 1:14 pm

      Amen Abigail! I have been grinning for over 38 years now. God gives the best gifts when He gives us people that love us!

      xoxo
      Nikki

      Reply
  2. Laura Terry says:
    November 22, 2022 at 10:57 am

    What a beautiful story about my dear friend Barb white! It doesn’t surprise me in the least. And God has blessed you with a wonderful mother-in-law. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you you are all beautiful people inside and out. Happy Thanksgiving and may God bless you all!

    Reply
    1. Nikki S White says:
      November 22, 2022 at 1:18 pm

      Yes, we are truly blessed to have such a generous soul amongst us! If Barb could transport Thanksgiving dinner across the miles to you, you know she would. She loves you and I do, too, Laura. We are praying and believing for God’s goodness to be served up to you this Thanksgiving.

      xoxoxo
      Nikki

      Reply

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