Gathering Around the Table

A once-almost sacred event, carefully guarded from distractions, is almost just a relic in American memory. Perhaps we have lost our understanding of its importance, consequently giving our allegiances to other activities which leave no time for the family dinner hour. Admittedly, we have begun to struggle with this as sports have monopolized our dinner time many days, giving us strong pause about our choices.

Health Benefits

There are studies and research that provide astounding evidence to the benefits of gathering together around the table regularly, from lower rates of obesity to lower rates of drug use in youth. Importance of the Family Table (With a Look at Education Benefits) lists some of them.

Life-Giving Rhythm

The rhythm of gathering daily, the act of facing each other, poised to listen and be heard, partaking in a pleasurable activity together and enjoying the gifts of God that are recognized as such–these are life-giving things. It’s difficult to hold a grudge against someone with whom you are breaking bread and passing plates. Fellowship in inextricably intertwined with eating together. For that reason, we should guard our meal times religiously.

“The table is a place of memory where we…become aware of who we are and with whom we are. Around the table, all previous meals come together in every meal, in an endless succession of memories and associations. The table is the place where the family gathers, the symbol of solidarity, or indeed the backdrop to family rows and childhood tragedies. At the table the eater is tamed.” Why We Eat Together, The Atlantic

Jesus Used Table Fellowship

I’ve also been thinking about the biblical implications for the importance of table fellowship and it’s a beautiful thing to trace, encouraging us of even more meaningful reasons to make gathering a priority.

Jesus loved to tell stories using imagery of food. He called Himself the Bread of Life, promising to fulfill our insatiable appetites, and offering us the Drink that will cause us to never thirst again.

The Eucharist

And in that life-changing Eucharist that points us to the cross over and over, until His return, He invites us to dine with Him over wine and bread. It’s an intimate fellowship at His table each time we gather so we make it a regular part of our worship, doing it in remembrance of Him.

The Eucharist should spill over to our own tables. And what does Eucharist mean? THANKSGIVING. Ultimately, when we come to table–the Lord’s table or our own, we join together in thanksgiving because we should. We have been given life and redemption, and abundance beyond that.

Do our children meet with us each day in Eucharist–thanksgiving? The older I get, and the more I see, the more I’m convinced that there is NO trait more important to cultivate in our homes than gratitude. I beg the Lord to keep my children from some of the self-absorbed, petty and destructive attitudes I see among so many young people I know.

Thanksgiving Spills Onto Others

And as our thanksgiving grows, it spills out onto those around us. Scripture encourages us to be hospitable–to those outside our homes as much as inside.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

When we break bread with our neighbors, extended family or friends, there is an unspoken refreshment happening. We thank Him for our friends, and we thank Him for the hands and hearts that, through ministry, labor to create a beautiful, tasty meal–even a simple one. Eucharist.

Let us strive to carve out, as often as possible, this time of gathering together, sharing a meal and sharing ourselves out of thanksgiving, leaving a powerful demonstration in our homes of what it means to live thankfully.

Recommended Christian Parenting Books for Every Stage

These are some of the best Christian parenting books, in my opinion, and a must-read for every parent. If you are looking to grow in your relationship with the Lord and become a better equipped Christian parent, make these books a part of your library!

Parenting

“In the midst of folding laundry, coordinating carpool schedules, and breaking up fights, many parents get lost. Feeling pressure to do everything “right” and raise up “good” children, it’s easy to lose sight of our ultimate purpose as parents in the quest for practical tips and guaranteed formulas.

In this life-giving book, Paul Tripp offers parents much more than a to-do list. Instead, he presents us with a big-picture view of God’s plan for us as parents. Outlining fourteen foundational principles centered on the gospel, he shows that we need more than the latest parenting strategy or list of techniques. Rather, we need the rescuing grace of God―grace that has the power to shape how we view everything we do as parents.”

Lady Like

Lady Like is one of the best, most brilliantly-written books I’ve read in a long time. Sensible, counter-culture truth to help you get your bearings straight about your role as a woman in today’s world. You’ll be glad you got it!

“In a society where conversations about gender have too often become stale and predictable, LadyLike: Living Biblically reimagines what it means to be a Christian woman in our feminized secular society.

Radically retro, freshly old-fashioned, and powerfully submissive, Rosie Adle and Rebekah Curtis, two playful and mischievous sisters, challenge us to rethink everything we thought we knew about men and women. Like a jolt of espresso, or a polar bear plunge, their writing enlivens the senses, helping us to see the world, as it were, for the first time.”

Every Moment Holy, Liturgy for Daily Life

I can’t describe how much I love this book! It’s filled with liturgies and prayers for dozens of common life events. “A Liturgy for Laundry” or “A Liturgy for Preparing a Meal” is just what you need to completely shift your perspective on how all our work can be an offer of sacrifice to God. There are 3 volumes and I promise you will use it so much! We printed off the liturgy for “a night before a wedding” and recited it at my son’s wedding, each having his own part to recite. It was beautiful!9

Choosing Gratitude

This was a life-changing book for me. There is little more important in life than cultivating a spirit of gratitude, regardless of our circumstances. I truly believe living a life of gratitude is the most powerful force on changing one’s entire life. You will not regret reading this book by Nancy Leigh Demoss.

When Motherhood Feels Too Hard

I wrote this daily devotional in a season of life when motherhood really felt too hard. Drawing from the deep recesses of my heart, along with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the book was born. I have heard from countless women that this book changed their perspective on motherhood, and that it is one of the best they’ve ever read. May it breath new life into your job as a mother!

Life Giving Home

This home is chocked FULL of ideas to make your home a place where your family wants to be! Always warm and encouraging, Sally  Clarkson doesn’t disappoint!

Present

“If I were angry or happy or sad or lonely, the response was always the same: turn to this ether promise of comfort and assurance.” Keri Mae Lamar confesses the hold the Internet had on her, and how deleting her growing blog gave her opportunity to examine the incessant call of media. What follows is her story in attempting to cultivate a present life, from selling the treadmill to eating roosters and more. PRESENT will challenge your habits and inspire you to arrange—or rearrange—your life to achieve balance in a technological world with the people you love most.

The Christian Family

Few books have challenged me, encouraged me and changed the way I relate to and think about my family more than this book. The Christian Family is a book every Christian family serious about experiencing God’s best ought to read.