I had a bit of a drive ahead of me but I didn’t mind. Every morning, the colors of autumn come to life around me. The yellows seem most prevalent right now. On my drive, I see hills and curving roads encircled by reds and oranges as well. I talked with God a bit. I didn’t mind the drive at all.

Upon arriving, I received greetings from women older than me. Sitting down to the table, a widow of ten years sat on my left. To my right, a woman married to her husband for going on fifty years. During our conversation, she made mention he’d given her the sweetest life. Across from me, a widow of mere months. She’s smiling and serving but honestly, she still has moments where she’s lost and trying to find her way.

If I can offer you my best advice, surround yourself with women like these. Just sitting at the table, there’s a palpable strength. A long time ago, these women made a choice that they’d follow the Way. They’d let Jesus be their guide. Without fail, He takes His own on the most amazing journeys.

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2

Sitting down to a different table, I am surrounded by younger ladies. One so utterly betrayed by a husband she works to put one foot in front of the other these days. She needs Jesus. Another who has never found her Mr. Right, yet she holds strong to the conviction that Mr. Right-Now would make for a meager substitute. Across from me, one so weary from mothering three children, learning to communicate with her husband and working a full-time job; she’s wondering when that rest we’re promised in Scripture will come her way.

There’s a strength at this table too. Not as many life chapters perhaps, but a group of women who have made their choice. May it always be Jesus.

Every day we pour into one another’s lives. We are the family of God and that’s what we do. Of this I am certain, saints surround me at both tables. Years from now, Lord willing, we’ll still find the faithful seated at the table.  

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6