Faithful Through the Year: November Edition

Here is the November edition of Faithful Through the Year: A Maple Lane Mystery—a cozy, heartfelt story about grief, hidden burdens, and the power of grace and community to fill an empty chair at the table.

Faithful Through the Year: November Edition

Title: The Missing Place Card
Theme: Grief, Belonging & the Gift of Being Welcomed Anyway
Scripture Focus:
Romans 12:15 – “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Story: The Missing Place Card

No one in Maple Lane made a better sweet potato casserole than Miss Doreen Hart.

But this year, Doreen didn’t even buy the marshmallows.

She loved Thanksgiving. The plaid tablecloths, the mismatched chairs around a too-full table, the kind of laughter that made your cheeks hurt.

But not this year.

It had been two Novembers since her father passed. He was the kind who carved the turkey with flair and gave corny toasts no one dared to interrupt. The silence he left behind was deafening—especially around a table.

Doreen still went to church. She smiled when she had to. She even made a “Thankful for You” card for the church bulletin board. But deep down, she felt like a burden. She couldn’t summon the gratitude everyone seemed to sing about—especially that one Brandon Lake song that played on repeat in the grocery store.

Clara had noticed.

So when the church began planning its annual “Thanksgiving Together” potluck for those who didn’t have family close by, she made a secret list. At the top of it: Doreen Hart.

“Would you bring your famous sweet potatoes?” Clara asked casually one Sunday. Doreen gave a tight-lipped smile. “I don’t think I’ll come this year. Don’t want to take up space.”

Clara didn’t argue.

She just left a handwritten invitation in Doreen’s mailbox with a simple note:
We saved you a seat. And you’re not taking up space—you’re part of the story.

The day before Thanksgiving, Doreen stood in her quiet kitchen staring at the pantry. One lone can of yams stared back. Before she knew what she was doing, she reached for it.

By noon the next day, the church fellowship hall was alive with aromas and stories and laughter. Aimee Little had made a glittery paper turkey centerpiece, and Millie had brewed a tea called “Autumn Hug.” The buffet groaned with abundance.

But Clara noticed the slip of paper on the name card table.

Someone’s place card was missing.

Doreen’s.

Out by the garden bench, Clara found her, arms crossed against the cold.

“I came. Just to peek. But I’m not feeling… thankful. I feel tired. And out of place.”

Clara sat beside her.

“You know, Jesus gave thanks the night before He died. Not because He felt joyful, but because He chose to see God’s purpose in the middle of pain.”

Doreen’s eyes filled.

“You’re not a burden, sweetheart. You’re a beloved guest. And you belong at the table—even with your grief. Especially with it.”

Back inside, someone had slipped in Doreen’s place card and set down a bowl of sweet potatoes—extra marshmallows, slightly toasted.

She took her seat.

It didn’t fix everything. But it was something.

A warm dish. A welcome seat.

And the hug she didn’t know she needed.

Reflection Prompts:

  1. Has there been a holiday that felt more like heaviness than celebration? How did God meet you there?

  2. Who in your life might need a gentle invitation or a warm place at the table this season?

  3. How can you practice gratitude as a choice, even when feelings are slow to follow?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hope in Bloom - Restoration of the broken pieces of life

Image
  That’s a beautiful and deeply meaningful vision— Hope in Bloom: Living Everyday with a God-Focused Heart   is a title full of gentle strength and promise. Let’s shape Ellie and Reid’s story into a scene that also works as a devotional reflection—something with heart, scripture, and a soft teaching moment through story. Devotional Story Draft – “The Garden Wall” Inspired by: Hope in the Storm – May: The Garden of Her Heart Theme: Restoration through Community Scripture: Isaiah 58:12 (NIV) "Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings." Scene: Ellie hadn’t cried when the wind knocked down the memorial wall. Not when she found the shattered terracotta pots, the wind-tossed ribbons, or the hand-written notes soaked and torn in the grass. She had blinked hard, clenched her jaw, and swept it all into a box. It was supposed to be a quiet way for people to grieve...
Read more

A Quiet Assurance - Context and Devotional on 1 John 3:19-21

  That's a powerful and comforting verse! To understand 1 John 3:20, it's helpful to look at the verses surrounding it and the overall themes of the letter. Here's some context: Immediate Context (1 John 3:19-21): Verse 19: "This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence." This verse sets the stage. John is talking about how believers can have assurance of their faith and peace with God. He's emphasizing the importance of action and love as evidence of genuine faith. Verse 21: "Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God." This verse presents a contrasting scenario. When our conscience is clear, we have boldness and confidence in our relationship with God. Connecting Verse 20: Verse 20 comes in the middle of this discussion about assurance and a clear conscience. It addresses the times when our hearts do condemn us. This could be due to: Genuine conviction o...
Read more

Hills & Valleys - expanded to a 6 week study

Image
Below is an expanded version of  "Hills & Valleys: Learning to Look to Jesus during Life’s Emotional Highs & Lows" prompt journal Bible study, with deeper weekly themes, discussion/reflection questions, and devotional thoughts for a richer group or personal study experience. You could easily use this for a 6-week church group, small group, or solo journal journey. 🌄 Hills & Valleys A 6-Week Prompt Journal Bible Study Learning to Look to Jesus during Life’s Emotional Highs & Lows ✨ How to Use This Study: Each week offers a devotional theme, Scripture focus, journal prompt, reflection questions, and practical application. You can use this alone, with a friend, or in a group. Set aside quiet time each week to invite God into your peak and valley places—and learn to see His steady presence in both. 📖 Week 1: The God of the Mountains and the Valleys Read: 1 Kings 20:28, Psalm 121:1-2 Devotional Thought: The same God who shows His glory on the moun...
Read more