Monday, November 26, 2018

A Great Thanksgiving

Deciding to have a mini-vacation in Ruidoso, we got up early on Thanksgiving day and drove the 6 hours plus to Ruidoso, New Mexico. A beautiful region with pine trees, deer, mountain air, and plenty of hiking and activities, we always enjoy our time in Ruidoso. Arriving in the afternoon, we settled into the cabin owned and operated by Hardin-Simmons University. Although we brought snacks for supper, we also planned to run to a grocery store for something quick, knowing most restaurants would be closed for Thanksgiving. After buying a couple of frozen dinners to heat up in the microwave, we drove around the small town as the sun gave way to the darkness of the evening. Seeing my favorite coffee shop/restaurant called Sacred Grounds with cars in the parking lot, I mentioned that we might pick up something sweet to eat after our frozen dinners.

Heading up to the front door, someone outside said the open door was around the side. Slightly confused but still wanting a dessert of some kind, we walked into the back room to find a small group of people watching a football game on a large screen against the wall. Neither welcoming nor hostile, the people were focused on the game and paid little heed to us, almost as though our presence were normal and expected. Warm and comfortable, we settled down and watched the game with the people whom we did not know. After a few minutes, however, and feeling awkward since nobody was eating and no waiter came to take our order, I decided we should quietly leave during the next commercial. But as we got up to leave, a man came out and got everyone's attention. He said the food would be ready at the end of the game and the buffet would be in one room with the desserts in another. He then announced before we eat, he would play a recording of a poem to serve as our blessing.

The feeling of awkwardness increased, and I decided to go visit with the man as he made his way back to the kitchen. He said they were not officially open but had invited patrons to bring food for a Thanksgiving dinner. The owners had made a ham, turkey, and several casseroles in addition to what others brought. I thanked him but told him we were not residents and had unintentionally walked into the private gathering. He looked at me with direct but friendly eyes and said, "We want you to join us for this meal." I gave several reasons why it would not be right for us to stay, but he countered by insisting we be a part of the group. The game soon ended, we listened to a beautiful poem, and people stood up to get the food and enjoy the feast! Turkey, Ham, green bean casseroles, salads, cranberries, Yams, dressing, and rolls adorned the banquet hall (actually a small room with a large table!).

We ate with great enjoyment and began conversing with the people. Soon we felt a part of the group, and I realized the joy of Thanksgiving was not the food but the fellowship. The evening was special and filled with unusual love that can only be found among people who cast no judgment but, instead, offer their time and food to strangers. We walked in as strangers, soon became guests, and, by the end, we were part of their family. Leaving to return to our cabin, our bodies were full of great food and our souls were full of the joy that comes from the gift of openness and benevolence.

What a treat and what a great place. Ruidoso may have gained a new future resident! Sacred Grounds is sacred because of its love of strangers, of which we are no longer.