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A Gracious Invitation

  • Nikki White
  • November 21, 2022
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My mother-in-law, Barb, is happiest when her tiny cottage and favorite people burst at the seams on Thanksgiving Day.

So she begins to plan and shop months in advance. Then, she picks up the phone and calls each of us one by one.

“Come home.”

“What can I bring?” I ask.

“Yourself,” Barb answers, letting me know I am enough for her.

I call back a few days later, feeling a little sheepish, “Can my friend, ‘So and So’ come, too?”

“Of course,” she says without hesitation, “Everyone is invited.”

When the glorious day comes, Barb throws open the door, excited to welcome us all to her table.

But one year, I rounded the corner and came face to face with what ‘everyone is invited’ really meant to her.

“Hi Chuck,” I said, shocked to see my father-in-law, Barb’s ex-husband, sitting among the guests. By his look, I knew he and I had reached the same conclusion. He had done nothing to deserve her gracious invitation.

But then the Lord gently reminded me, neither had I.

Likewise, our merciful Savior, Jesus, throws His arms wide with an open invitation and a promise: “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me, I will never drive away” (John 6:37, NIV).

So let our plates and hearts be filled with wonder and gratitude for the call we have received. And let us extend God’s gracious invitation to every hungry heart.

“Come Home.”

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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.

3 comments
  1. Teresa Whiting says:
    November 21, 2022 at 6:36 am

    Nikki, This is a beautiful encouragement to me as I prepare for my tiny house to “burst at the seams” this week! Thank you for reminding me that the most important part of this busy, crazy week, is seeing and celebrating my people. ❤️

    Reply
  2. Nikki S White says:
    November 21, 2022 at 7:15 am

    Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!

    I would love to be able to sit at your tiny house table this holiday. You are a walking, living, breathing, (cooking), open invitation to all to come and see that the Lord is good!

    May blessings and joy overflow as you gather together.

    xoxo

    Reply
  3. Holly Bliss says:
    November 24, 2022 at 8:38 am

    Beautiful Sis. Thanks for welcoming my little hatchling with open arms this year! All are welcome through his grace.

    Reply

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