A Thanksgiving Parable

“Hi, grandma!” you exclaim as you enter the warm kitchen on a cool November afternoon. You can smell the turkey and gravy, the mashed potatoes, the vegetable dishes, the hot rolls, the cranberry sauce, and of course, the pumpkin pie. “What a heavenly aroma!” says Aunt Deb, as Uncle Joe sneaks a bite of turkey. Everyone is in a good mood. How could they not be, especially with all this delicious food and an abundance of past blessings?

As you walk into the dining room, grandmother’s beautiful old dining table catches your eye. It’s a simple, yet elegant wooden dining table with matching chairs. There are two antique candlesticks on the table, as well as a beautiful vase and some flowers. As you move to take your usual place at the dining table, grandma interrupts. “Oh no, dear. We’re not sitting there this year.” “Why not, grandma?” you ask. “Dining room tables are too formal, dear. Too old fashioned. That’s why I bought these nice folding tables.” You glance across the room to a set of cheap folding tables and chairs. “You see, junior, dining room tables are elitist. The kids never got to see what was going on at the big table. Now everyone can actively participate in the dinner conversation.”

You take your seat at the folding table. You’re still thankful for the opportunity to be with friends and family as you say grace and eat your meal. But something’s not right. You glance back at the venerable dining set, then look at its replacement. “What is this world coming to?” you quietly ask.