For You? White Linen

Every year our high school youth pastor hosts a graduation banquet for all the seniors. It’s a white linen tablecloth and candlelight event, with volunteer waiters from the church. Classy.

This year I was asked to help decorate, and it was the first time I had any involvement in the preparation. This usually isn’t my thing –helping.

I’m more of a teach-a-Bible-study or study-deep-theology kind of girl.

So the three hours of applying tablecloths, decorating, and setting individual places for a few dozen tables was…

Hard work. (Something I generally avoid.)

And a person cannot read a book while setting tables.

Anyway, about two hours in I was tired and developed a why-am-I-doing-this feeling. I was holding a set of silverware in my hand, and as I placed a fork on the left of the plate I heard the Spirit answer, People.

Because people are worth the effort.

When the seniors walk into that banquet room they will know they are special, because someone (lazy me plus a dozen other worthwhile volunteers) took the time to add all the quality touches.

I want to say to every woman: You are worth a linen tablecloth and real silverware. You are worth the effort of every napkin folded, every glass placed precisely at the tip of the knife, and every beautiful centerpiece carefully designed.

We are the bride who sings, “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me is love.” (Song of Songs 2:4 KJV)

A banquet has been set.

And there is a place card with your name on it.