A Table Prepared

Bless you, little lamb.

The Shepherd prepares a table

For you

In the presence of your enemies.

No need to wait until

The woods are clear of wolves.

No cause to pause until

All your problems have been solved.

I bless you to feast today—

Despite the unresolved conflicts,

Despite the unsolved dilemmas,

Despite the “what ifs”

And the “if onlys”—

You can feast on God’s grace anyway.

See, the Shepherd, has set the table!

Behold its beauty—

A table laden with bowls of grace,

Platters of peace

And goblets of joy.

I bless you, child of God,

To enjoy the banquet of God at hand.

Give no heed to the barking dog or howling wolf,

Jesus has prepared the table

In the presence of your enemies.