Nearly every home has some center of gathering. Nearly 20 years ago,
my husband and I went table hunting. I believe at the time we had three
children and one on the way. We found a large solid but simple oak
table and 10 chairs and bought it in anticipation of the large family
we wanted. Years later, I'm looking at my kitchen table with new eyes
and a new heart.
The kitchen is far more than a place to feed my family. It is the
gathering place of the most precious people in my life. It is here I
catch a glimpse into the hearts of my family. Julie B. Beck said, "True power is found in the hands of a worthy
nurturer, especially at mealtimes." What my children share at the kitchen table gives gives insight as to how I
can nurture them, serve them and pray for them. It provides the forum
for acting upon many of the promptings received from heaven.
Perhaps more than anything it is akin to an altar. An altar is a place of prayer and sacrifice; a symbol of God's presence. A kitchen table is a place to acknowledge and receive God's power. It is a place where my sacrificial offerings of time, food, wisdom, and love can be offered up as well as received. It is also a place of healing. Much of the meaningful and profound is in the mundane. It is in the everyday objects we often overlook, and in the daily actions and events of our lives. The table with all its ordinariness, becomes a sanctuary and a refuge as those who sit around it are nurtured and loved.
Perhaps more than anything it is akin to an altar. An altar is a place of prayer and sacrifice; a symbol of God's presence. A kitchen table is a place to acknowledge and receive God's power. It is a place where my sacrificial offerings of time, food, wisdom, and love can be offered up as well as received. It is also a place of healing. Much of the meaningful and profound is in the mundane. It is in the everyday objects we often overlook, and in the daily actions and events of our lives. The table with all its ordinariness, becomes a sanctuary and a refuge as those who sit around it are nurtured and loved.
After
making a list of what can be accomplished at the table, I was
astounded. What a powerful tool to strengthen the family. What a great
place to begin changing ourselves, our families and the world. What a great place to share ideas, make commitments, discuss ideas and carefully listen. What a great place to offer words of encouragement, share stories, solve
problems, comfort and heal. What a powerful and simple
way to make changes today.
Sacred and symbolic meaning is ascribed to the altar. It has been associated with the creation of the world. As I participate in the daily food and conversation rites of the kitchen table, I too am involved in a creation - the creation of a family, a family striving to worship God and return to that sacred altar to make sacrifices and covenants with Him.
Sacred and symbolic meaning is ascribed to the altar. It has been associated with the creation of the world. As I participate in the daily food and conversation rites of the kitchen table, I too am involved in a creation - the creation of a family, a family striving to worship God and return to that sacred altar to make sacrifices and covenants with Him.
