Some of my best family and friend memories are around a kitchen table. There is something about sharing a meal together in the warm atmosphere of a kitchen or family area. When we share in the lives of others we strengthen a bond, a connection. In fact last night, I spent over three hours at Panera Bread chatting and making up for lost time with a close friend who I rarely get to see.
Now a days many families are spending time in the drive-through fast-food. Some eat in their cars. Our demanding schedules of work, school, and sports often leave few options.
I encourage you this week to plan out a meal where everyone can gather in your family around a table and sit down for a meal. Some of the simplest pleasures that our grandparents did on a regular basis are now a lost art and almost a forgotten practice.
Your table might just be a place of blessing for someone that day. Someone whose day has not gone so well or maybe has had a few disappoints. Years ago when we were moving from a rental house to another location, we had to return because we didn't pass the final inspection. We were required to get the water spots off the faucet fixtures and a few other minor items. Aggravated and tired on a early Saturday morning, we reluctantly forged ahead so we could later retrieve our deposit. But to our quandary, both the water and electricity had already been shut-off and it was a hot, humid Florida day! A near-by neighbor saw us at the house and brought us over some water and extra cleaning products. She said, when you are finished, stop by the house I have something for you.
With all three kids in tow, sweaty plus exhausted from days of packing and moving, we entered the neighbor's house. "Come on in guys," she yelled from the back of the house, "I'm in the kitchen!" I thought I could smell something with a sweet aroma drifting our way. To our surprise there on the table was a tall stack of steaming waffles dusted in powdered sugar, fresh strawberries with whipped cream, and a huge platter of perfectly cooked bacon. She welcomed us to have a seat and enjoy a Saturday morning brunch! Wow, I will never forget her giving spirit and its similarity to preparing a table for us in the middle of a not very pleasant situation. Her kindness was like refreshment to a weary soul.
My kudos to you today is to know that God prepares tables for us to enjoy. Be a part of his plan for someone. Welcome them to your table. It might just be for coffee or ice tea, but the refreshment that you bring by giving of yourself, maybe to that person just what they needed to revive a weary soul!
Psalm 23:5 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing...You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. The Message Version
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