When Paul closes out his letter to the Galatians, he points back to the opening words, addressing the struggles they have had with folks trying to mislead them, and compelling them to do things as a people of faith. Some of Paul’s key points highlight the emphasis on relationships among the people striving to walk by the Spirit, sharing a helpful reminder of the importance of support and accountability, of sharing one another’s burdens, and to not grow weary in doing what is right and to work for the benefit of all.
I recently overheard a refreshing conversation between three young children talking about life. Two of them were sisters, and the other child was a new friend they had just met while waiting to depart a flight from Philadelphia to Raleigh-Durham. Their voices captured the attention of the adults sitting and standing in the aisle, waiting for the line to start moving forward.
They discussed family matters, with the oldest sister sharing about a cousin’s escapades. They discussed food, especially birthday cakes. This led to sharing their ages, with the younger sister lifting up her toy motorcycle and exclaiming this would be a great addition to place on her birthday cake. One child kept using the descriptive phrase, “That’s shocking,” always with an affirming tone.
All of these topics filled the airwaves for only a few minutes, and it was mesmerizing for the adults listening in on their animated conversation. Joy was expressed on the faces of fellow passengers, and it was a beautiful way to end our time as travelers that evening.
Richard Hays, in his commentary on Galatians, uses this helpful quote from John Chrysostom: “The way of life that comes from grace takes the whole land and sea as the table of mercy.” This expansive view of the table highlights Paul’s directive to work for the benefit of all.
As the children engaged in their spirited conversation, the table of mercy was laid out before us, as we all became witnesses of a holy moment. The laughter and listening of these three children were followed by joy and shocking exclamations, where only a few minutes gave birth to a short friendship. It was a remarkable expression of God’s grace, as new friends recognized the value of each other as they celebrated life together.
Blessings, 
David