Set the Table, Anyway

There was a time when you knew exactly who was coming. You knew where everyone would sit. Who would arrive early. Who would be late.
Who would bring their favorite dish. Who would tell the same story everyone had already heard. You set the table because you knew it would be filled.

But life changes.

Families change. Relationships change. Traditions change. People move away. Some stop coming. New people find their way to us. And some leave this life, never to sit at the table again.

Suddenly, setting the table can feel different.

The empty chair is noticeable, the room sounds different, and the traditions that once brought comfort can remind us just how much has changed.

So why set the table when you already know it will not look like it used to? Because somewhere in the middle of remembering what was and accepting what is, joy has a way of leapfrogging over grief.

Not erasing it. Not pretending the empty chair is not there. Not asking us to forget the people and moments that made those gatherings special. Joy simply reminds us that grief does not get to decide that there will never be anything beautiful at the table again.

There can still be laughter, stories to be told, good food to enjoy, unexpected guests, new traditions, and moments that become memories before we even realize it. Maybe the table will be smaller this year, the faces around it will be different, and you will find a way to carry both gratitude and sadness to your seat.

All of this okay. Grace has always known how to make room for all of it.

So this holiday season, when part of you wonders whether it is worth pulling out the dishes, making the meal, decorating the room, or gathering again because it will never be quite the same, remember: It does not have to be the same to still be good.

Honor who was there, welcome who is here, leave room for what is still becoming, and when grief whispers, Why bother? Let joy respond, Set the table, anyway.

Because sometimes healing looks like making room for joy to find us again.

Thank you, Dr. Nasca, for giving me the space to share my heart and, in doing so, helping me discover the joy of setting the table, anyway.

#GraceInTheMiddle #PH2S