Mom Heart Moments #64

I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

IF MY TABLE COULD TALK, I know it would tell of innumerable moments. Toddlers munching on bits of food and Cheerios scattered over plastic place mats. Birthday breakfasts with cinnamon rolls, mugs of hot tea, and presents companioned by words of love and appreciation. Warm soup and stories shared on cold winter nights. Sunday afternoon teatimes with James Herriott’s animal stories read dramatically. Countless lively discussions about morality and worldview as we filled up growing teenage bodies with satisfying food.

But souls grow by seasons as well. As we celebrate the passage of time by establishing and commemorating joyful traditions, honoring milestones (however small), cultivating a taste for greatness through the stories shared, books read, memories made, and faith lived out, we also make a path for growth and development.

Godly legacies are built, in other words, when we bring the life of Christ to the table through the grace of loving relationships and intimacy shared moment by moment. This is the essence of table discipleship. But doing it well requires both vision and commitment.

What is my vision for my lifegiving table? I picture that I am nourishing souls and spirits with both physical food and the everlasting food of the Word of God. I am providing grace and peace through gently accepting whoever joins us at the table. I am speaking hope forward by articulating my confidence in God’s love, faithfulness, and kindness for each person.

I picture that I can be an instrument through which God brings life, beauty, and redemption to the limitations of my marriage and my family —because, in His Spirit, I am filled with the life that always brings light to the dark places and redemption to the broken places.

What is your vision for your own lifegiving table?