October 1, 2026
Thanksgiving has been on my mind since it is quickly approaching. As a child, the kids' table at family functions is a great memory for me. My dad had four brothers and when we all got together at my grandparents for Thanksgiving there were 12 adults, counting my grandparents, and 11 children.
I can remember the grown-ups sitting in the dining room with a beautifully decorated table, linen tablecloths, fine China, real napkins, and the best silverware. I always thought I could not wait until I “graduated” to the grown-up table. The kids, on the other hand, sat at card tables in the kitchen. We used paper plates and napkins and had plastic cups and silverware. I’m pretty sure if we had a tablecloth at all it was a plastic one.
We always got to go through the elaborate buffet line first and I’m pretty sure it was to keep us from interrupting the adults during their meal. The kids' table was always entertaining. We would laugh at silly things and just totally enjoy each other and our meal. We were loud and definitely did not use proper table etiquette or our best manners.
If we didn’t like something, we didn’t eat it and we certainly didn’t worry about hurting anyone’s feelings because of it. When we were finished eating, we helped ourselves to the dessert table. We loved the fact that no adult even paid attention or cared how many sweets were on our plate. When we were done, we just threw all our used plates and utensils away and that was that.
When I finally did graduate to the adult table it didn’t live up to my expectations. You were expected to use your best manners, be quiet, only speak when spoken to, keep you napkin in your lap, and make sure you used the correct silverware when eating.
You also had responsibilities. Maybe you had to set the table and, if you did, there were rules to follow to make sure you did it correctly. You were not allowed to get dessert until everyone had finished their meal and dessert was “served.” You were expected to help clear the table when the meal was over and we always had to wash, dry, and put up the dishes. If you were at the adult table there were rules, responsibilities, and requirements that went along with the privilege of sitting there.
I have thought about all these things this week with Thanksgiving approaching. I was especially thinking about the difference in the two tables. The kids' table was carefree, fun, enjoyable, and heartwarming. We had responsibilities but they were minimal and stress free. We actually had no idea what stress was. We ate, we fellowshipped, we laughed, and we were full when the meal was over. The kids' table left me with wonderful memories. At the kids' table you were accepted and loved no matter what. We honestly didn’t worry about anything.
There was no judgement, we just enjoyed the company and the food. The last few weeks have been hard for me. I feel like I am at the adult table, and I am not enjoying it. Life creates rules and responsibilities that are not always fun or even maybe something we would not choose. Life causes me to worry and wonder what others are thinking. Life causes stress. Life makes me feel like I must make sure I do and say everything the correct way. Life can cause disappointment and heartache.
I am sitting at the adult table in life. I am well aware of the fact that I am probably placing most of this pressure on myself but, regardless, it’s life.
As I think about the kids' table, I feel like that is where Jesus would sit and want me to sit right there with Him.
He doesn’t want me to place unrealistic expectations on myself. He doesn’t want me to worry or wonder what others are thinking nor does He want me to feel stress. He wants me to sit at the table knowing that He is all that matters. He is the ONLY one at the table I need to be listening to and concerned with. He is what makes the table at Thanksgiving worth everything.
At the table with Jesus, we are accepted and loved. At the table with Jesus is where He makes a difference in our life and He teaches us to make a difference in the lives of people around us. At the table with Jesus is where enjoyment comes from. At the table with Jesus, we fellowship with Him.
Life is hard and there is really no way around it. Life with Jesus is what makes every single thing matter. As you gather around your table for Thanksgiving next week, remember the kids' table. Remember Jesus. He is really all that matters, and He is the reason to be thankful!
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Jill Johnson, a staff member at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother and Georgian. She is available to speak to your church's women's gatherings. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org.
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