Poetry

THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM AT THE TABLE

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
11/20/17
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Come home my child to rest, From the evil stand be blessed
There's always room at the table
The road was long and dusty, And your weary sole is rusty
There's always room at the table
Too long now you've been dreary, As life's journey has been weary
There's always room at the table
The feast is now made able, Draw a chair and sit at My table
There's always room at the table
The spread is ready for basking, The banquet ready for asking
There's always room at the table
The invitation is waiting the grateful, God's Grace is always faithful
There's always room at the table
Redemption’s plan is complete for all, Who by faith will answer the call
There's always room at the table
The cross still has room for one, Love’s deed was eternally done.
There's always room at the table
 
Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings, and for many Americans, these blessings are counted around the festive dinner table. Yes, there's always room at the table, room for the fortunate and the not so fortunate. You see, that's where forgiveness comes into play, in welcoming back the misfortunate.  

One prime example of forgiveness is found in the well-known Bible parable of the "Prodigal Son."  (Luke 15:11-32) So what about you, beloved? Are you willing to forgive?  Your heavenly Father will and did. (1 John 1:9)

 Author's Postscript (A synopsis of the above introductory painting taken from the internet)

 He (the son) kneels before his father in repentance, wishing for forgiveness and a renewed place in the family, having realized that even his father's servants had a better station in life than he. His father receives him with a tender gesture. His hands seem to suggest mothering and fathering at once; the left appears larger and more masculine, set on the son's shoulder, while the right is softer and more receptive in gesture. Standing at the right is the prodigal son's older brother, who crosses his hands in judgment; in the parable he objects to the father's compassion for the sinful son.