Around the Table

For the last few days, my husband and I entertained family from Texas.  Even though we finished our dinner fairly early, we sat around the table catching up late into the night, finally heading for bed after filling in most of the gaps our eight years of separation created. 

The next day after church, as is our custom, everyone gathered in my home for Sunday dinner.  With my family, there can be anywhere from 2 to 25 or 30 around the table—this Sunday it happened to be twenty.  Noisy conversation, laughing, and caring for fussy children continued as roast beef and mashed potatoes disappeared and the last bit of gravy was sopped up on the plates.

Monday, my cousins took in some local sights, but found their way back to the house in time for—you guessed it—dinner.  By now, you might be thinking all we do is eat.  And it’s true, I do like to cook (and eat), but what we love has little to do with eating.  What we love are the bonds and memories created around the table.

Jesus forms this same kind of bond with us when we take time to sit at His banqueting table—freely exchanging our hearts.  Since He walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, God has been about relationship—and our relationship with Him, and with people.  There is something very powerful about breaking bread together.  It can be unifying, strengthening and healing.

If you see your family splintering, or friendships faltering, think about inviting these family or friends to dinner.  Set the table and sit around it—that’s what it’s for.  If you’re not a cook, order a pizza or pick up some chicken.  Just remember to turn off the TV and your smartphone so you can catch up with the person across the table from you.  You’ll be amazed at how past grievances will fade and wounds can heal over a shared meal.  Or how much you can learn by listening!  I’ve gotten a whole education on raising chickens just from having dinner with my “Chicken Queen” daughter-in-law!

This morning I sent my cousins back to Texas with full tummies after our breakfast of yummy, fresh chicken eggs—thanks to my daughter-in-law who keeps us supplied.  Family bonds were made stronger over them—but it had nothing to do with the great quality of those eggs (sorry Mindy).  It had everything to do with slowing down and taking time together over a meal.

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts  Acts 2:46

And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed.  Acts 20:11