The light in the window

By late afternoon November had swept the last golden leaves against the garden gate.

The trees stood nearly bare beneath a gray sky, and a cool wind hurried along the street sending everyone a little deeper into their coats.

In every house the kitchen windows had begun to fog. A pumpkin pie cooled beside the stove as the last spoonful of butter melted into the mashed potatoes.

Gravy simmered gently. Cranberry sauce waited in its serving dish and the green bean casserole turned golden in the oven.

Each time the oven door opened, warmth and the scent of roasting turkey and homemade stuffing drifted through the rooms.

The table had been set with the good plates. Some were older than others and one had a small chip along its edge, always turned toward the person who knew it best.

A folded cloth waited beside each setting. In the middle stood a candle still unlit.

Then came a knock. The door opened to a rush of cold air, a tumble of leaves, and a familiar face.
Before a coat could be taken off arms reached out for an embrace and the November chill lingered at the doorway.

As coats were removed embraces lingered a little longer, a hand rested gently on a shoulder and familiar smiles warmed the room.
Conversations started to drift through the rooms filling the spaces between one welcome and the next.

Another knock. Another welcome.

An extra chair was brought from the other room and eased into place.

The candle was lit. Across the table its small flame caught the faces of those gathered close.

Outside everything was quiet and a sense of peace filled the air.

The golden turkey made its way to the table on a platter, its roasted skin glistening in the soft light. It was set down and carved, the first slices marking the beginning of the grand Thanksgiving meal.

Serving dishes followed, each passed with care as plates were filled. Warm bread moved from hand to hand, and conversations continued between bites.

Someone began a story the others knew by heart, bringing smiles all around.

From near and far family members had come to gather around the Thanksgiving table once again. The house was full again, blessed with the love of family and the warmth of being together. Soft light fell across plates filled with favorite dishes, as conversations mingled and another helping passed around the table.

Then hands reached for one another and the room grew quiet.

Together they gave thanks for the meal prepared with care, for the gifts the year had given and for everyone gathered around the table.

The greatest gift at the table was the love gathered around it.