Around the Dinner Table

I had a bit of an epiphany tonight.  My family and I were having dinner and doing what we do best, laughing and "roasting" each other.  I realized in that moment that magic was taking place!  The memories that were being formed and etched into all of our minds.  I'm talking about the unfolding of the fabric that holds a family together.  

At the dinner table, everyone has a chance on the "floor" or in the spotlight, if you will.  The day's events unfold.  Teenagers reveal the latest gossip from school (well mine does anyway).  Life lessons are taught and learned. It's easy to get caught up in the stress of the day and forget about the important elements of a family.  Everyone has his or her own agenda...leaving what matters most out of that agenda...connection and communication.

I vividly remember from my own childhood sitting at the table with my three youngest siblings.  My mom was old school...she felt it was her right and earned privilege to sit and eat in the den rather than with us at the table.  Because I had no other family model to go by, I thought that was normal...that all parents did that.  But my siblings and I (3 girls and 1 boy, me being the oldest) found absolute amusement sitting around the table.  Instead of deep conversations, we plotted out the next fight and who it would be between.  Although it was funny and games, I never recalled a time when my mom actually took interest in wanting to sit at that table.

Looking over my life today, I wouldn't have it any other way.  I was taught and allowed myself to learn the importance of family dinners.  Almost each night I have the honor of sitting with my husband, 14 yr old daughter, 14 yr old sister-in-law, and 2 yr old daughter.  

There's always take aways from sitting at the table...whether it's a sore stomach from a good laugh, silence from a pondering mind, or just the comfort of being noticed, appreciated, and loved.  

I will only speak for myself when I tell you I see the results of moments like these.  Memories that's formed from such a simple act never fades away. 

Whatever that one thing is your family does, whether it's eating dinner together, having a family movie night, or evening walks...continue doing it.  By doing so, you establish trust, confidence, integrity and a host of other moral values in your family.  Trust me when I tell you the kids will appreciate it in the long run.

I'd love to hear some of your "table" moments with your family! Be blessed!!