Nourishing Souls

Nourishing Souls

My child, listen to me and do as I say,

I will teach you wisdom’s ways

Proverbs 4:10-11

It is easy to consider dinner just another thing to add to the to-do list. Dinner comes after washing, mending, canning, scolding, embracing, tending, weeding, reading, and numerous other additional tasks.

Dinner comes before baths, bedtime, chores, and tuck-ins. It’s easy to think of dinner as just another thing “to do.” And for an Amish woman, it’s a big to-do. She must not only think of what to make but also make a lot of it for many hungry mouths!

Amish parents know that the most important part of the meal isn’t the food itself but family togetherness. In the American culture many are rediscovering the joy of shared mealtimes, when family members gather around the table to eat together and talk about their day and what’s going on in their lives. Dinnertime reunites family members after a busy day. Each person feels part of the family unit. They work together on the cooking and cleaning up. And because we have our family’s undivided attention as they sit and eat, mealtime is also a perfect time to share something from the Scriptures or tell stories about our own faith walk.

Proverbs 3:1-2 says, “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.”

Just as the food we eat brings health to our bodies, gathering together regularly brings health to our souls. Do you want to nourish your family? Then try not to consider dinner just another thing on your to-do list. Instead, turn it into a focal point of your day, and then make God the focal point of the conversation!

Dear heavenly Father, often in my quest to be productive and effective, I miss out on connecting with the hearts of those in my life. Please, Lord, help me to put the focus on You in everyday moments.