After the holidays, many of us can easily voice with conviction all of the behaviors and mannerisms of our families that annoy us. Clarity of faults is the product of being with family over the holidays. However, I returned from my family’s gathering with gratitude for something they exhibit every time we gather. When my family hosts a meal, there is always a gracious plenty. The bounteous feast for all of us start with our big pots. Rather than cooking or baking small portions, we pull out the 13 x 9 casserole dishes and the large Dutch ovens. A crowd of at least thirty people is always expected, but we also know that many will bring guests. The first tenet of a gracious plenty is the commitment to bringing generous amounts to share. As I surveyed the buffet for our Christmas meal, I marveled at the gallon of green beans, quart of gravy, two hams, trays of cookies, and multiple layer cakes. My family prepares food for all who are expected to come, and for a few more, because we always welcome guests. In worship this past Sunday, one of the children whispered, “Are you serving communion today?” After I nodded, she said, “When I come up, can you give me a big piece of bread? I love communion, and the bread is good!” While communion is not about getting a big piece when a small piece will suffice, we may have forgotten how amazing it is to share in the graciousness of a meal. As I began to serve last Sunday, I calculated how much bread I had and the number of people to be served and realized there was more than enough to serve good-sized chunks. I watched as the children grinned when I gave them a big piece of bread, and I wasn’t surprised when some of the adults furrowed their brows at me for serving large portions. But we had plenty of bread, so why not give it in abundance? In this New Year, I am looking for the places where there is a gracious plenty, whether it is home cooked food or joy in the ritual of communion. I plan to take lots to share wherever I go. Where there is a gracious plenty, there are people who come with more than enough and are willing to share. I am thankful to the child at church who reminded me of the joy of getting a generous piece of bread and for my family who always cooks for all who come to eat. Tammy Abee Blom is an ordained Baptist minister, regular contributor to BWIM’s blog, mother of two amazing daughters, teacher for children’s Sunday School, and lives in Columbia, South Carolina.
