Always room for more | Rick Zelinsky

Mon, Dec 21, 2009

I was born into a Hungarian/Romanian family, and I could tell a ton of stories but that will have to wait for another time. Being from Eastern Europe meant that if you were a friend of mine then you didn’t come over to visit unless you were prepared to sit down for a meal courtesy of my Hungarian Grandma (Nagymama). There was always a place available at the table in case someone dropped by, and there was always enough food for lots of guests…just in case.

I never understood the faith imprint this would leave on my life, but let me share a Christmas story that punctuates the reflection. There is a lot made about the importance of protecting family time when you are engaged in ministry, and I agree except my definition of family may differ from many. For most North Americans family means blood relatives, but for my family this definition has been expanded by the influence of my upbringing. You will know from reading Deana’s reflection on Friday that our family table during special celebrations often included those who were short on friends and short on funds. As Salvationists these are our people…family.

I have many fond memories from Williams Lake, but my most favourite was the Christmas when I went to pick up Owen and Bill, our good friend who had no family in the city. We were heading home when we bumped into John walking back to his apartment. I asked Bill, “Do you think John has somewhere to go for Christmas dinner?” You know Bill felt right at home when he informed me he didn’t think John had a place for dinner, and we better pick him up. Of course, Deana didn’t skip a beat when we came home, and everyone was made to feel at home. I think she regifted one of my gifts to make sure everyone had something to open.

We ate a feast fit for a king, and then I was treated to a vision of worship for the King of Kings, as Bill, Owen and John were all sitting on our long couch with their feet up on the coffee table. The fireplace was blasting heat, and we were watching the movie Elf. I don’t remember the gift I received that year, but I do remember the sight of those three men laughing their heads off at the hilarious antics of Will Farrell as Buddy the Elf. It was one of the most satisfying Christmas memories in my life, and it came together because my Nagymama taught me what it meant to live as a family, and to always have room at our table.