Mom Heart Moments #186

When they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. . . . Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.”

THE TABLE IS A UNIQUELY AND divinely ordered part of family life for the spiritual influence of children. Think about the family table for a moment. There is a physical unity when all sit at the table together, infused with the experiential unity of sharing a meal. That dynamic fosters a naturally interactive setting —looking at each other, engaging in conversation, serving one another. Taken all together, the table creates an anchor, a way for family members to be together. We tried to take full advantage of those times at our table to challenge our children’s thinking, encourage their expression of ideas and opinions, talk about current events, explore theological views and Bible knowledge, talk about relationships, and so much more. Whenever there was food on the table, we also put food for the mind there.

And whenever we could, we ate at the table together. We simply refused to give in to the American norm that considers meals as little more than necessary fueling stops between other more important activities.

When we were at the table, we were talking. When our children were younger, we would read the Bible and talk about the characters and the meaning of the passages. We would talk about God, Jesus, the Christian life, faith, love, and whatever topics our children would find interesting. As they got older, we would talk about theological issues, books we’d read, stories in the news, biblical standards for relationships, and ministry ideas ad infinitum. There was also an abundance of lighthearted banter, debate about the best musical artists and songs, movie analysis, sharing of interesting or funny YouTube videos and blog posts, and so much more.

Is your family table a place of food for the heart, mind, and soul as well as the body?