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The table was bountifully spread. There was the usual golden browned turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes piled so high they nearly over-ran the bowl. Green beans, corn and candied sweet potatoes added a color all their own. Jellied cranberries supplied a touch of red and of course there were pumpkin pies with whipped topping on the side. Johnny's eyes took it all in. Secretly he swiped his finger through the whipped topping licking his finger and savoring the sweet goodness. He wished the adults would hurry up. He was hungry.
At last Grandma announced that all was ready. Johnny was about to sit down when he caught his Dad's look, saying in effect, "No, we don't sit down yet. We give thanks first."
Obediently he stood behind his chair and waited for Grandpa to begin his prayer of thanks. Most of the time it was interesting to listen to Grandpa pray. He always talked to God like he knew him personally. But today, Grandpa didn't bow his head. He just looked at each individual with a piercing look. That look made Johnny feel a bit uncomfortable. It was though Grandpa knew everything there was to know about him.
After the look, Grandpa began to speak slowly. "Grandma and I want you to know we are so happy to have you here, in our home, this Thanksgiving Day. Most of all, we are thankful that we know Jesus as our personal Savior. But we are troubled today, also, because we know there are some of you that have not yet made that decision."
Johnny began to squirm. He knew he had never asked Jesus into his heart. Why didn't Grandpa just pray and get it over with. He was hungry.
Grandpa continued. "It would make us so happy if we knew each one of you was ready to meet Jesus. We never know when that will happen. Grandma and I are both getting old. One of these days we will go to meet Jesus. We want you all to join us in heaven but you won't be able to if you do not accept Him as your Savior. I'd like for us all to be seated but before we eat, I'd like for each one of you to tell me about your relationship with Jesus."
There was the usual shuffling of chairs as everyone took his seat. Grandpa asked Charles, Johnny's Dad, to start first. Each person told about when he or she had accepted Jesus and how wonderful it was to know Him as their personal Savior. And then it was Johnny's turn. His eyes filled with tears as he said, "Grandpa, I haven't accepted Jesus yet but I'd sure like to. I want to be in Heaven with you."
Grandpa smiled and said, "Johnny, you can give your heart to Him right now. We will wait for you."
Johnny bowed his head and said simply, "Jesus, I need you to come into my heart. I've done so many bad things I can't count 'em. I'm sorry." And Johnny cried really hard for a little bit. Then tearfully he continued. "Please forgive me and come into my heart." Slowly Johnny raised his head and a big smile spread across his face. "Whow! That makes this the best Thanksgiving ever!"
Everyone started hugging him and telling him how wonderful it was that he had accepted Jesus. That embarrassed him but it felt good. Grandpa grinned from ear to ear. He said simply. "Thank you, Jesus, that Johnny has accepted you as his personal Savior. That makes our family complete."
"Now let's thank Him for this wonderful food. Johnny, why don't you bless the food today?"
~ Author Unknown to me ~
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes. | 
