Last night was the first night in a while that two important components came into place. I had the time to cook and just as importantly, the desire to do so as well. I felt inspired to make homemade Alfredo sauce so the Terry's had an Italian feast together. Each person did their part to make this meal a success. Nick helped me prep the food while the kids set the table. Lucas and Samantha made a Caesar salad while Lily watched and talked a lot about how much she loves shrimp and Caesar salad. We enjoyed each others company as we sat and ate a homemade meal together at the dinner table for the first time in a while.
My family means everything to me. God has blessed and entrusted me with our clan to nurture and care for their needs. It is a life altering role that I don't take lightly. I'm reminded again the importance of the dinner table and I can't help but celebrate it. Something happens when we gather the family for meal made with love. Conversations take place that wouldn't normally happen as we intentionally slow down and make an effort to relate to one another. It's so important for our well being and the well being of our families to meet together around the table. To remove the distractions of life and just remember each other, healing happens there. Relationships are deepened and restored as we put our priorities in order and intentionally engage our families with conversation and respect. Family dinners set a tone in our home. They make a dramatic statement which tells our kids and our spouse that quality time with them is important and that we care enough to prepare a meal and listen to their stories about their daily comings and goings.
As I rock sweet Stella tonight I lift up praise to my God for reminding
me of the importance of celebrating the dinner table. Even though we can't do this everyday, I am going to make an effort to do this more often. My kids deserve it and my God desires for me to take more time and nurture my family. So I challenge you friends to celebrate the dinner table with me and involve the whole family in this event. Teach, nurture, and listen as your kids share their day and help you prepare a meal. Our children are only young once and my prayer is my children can see this act of celebration modeled in me and God will cultivate their hearts so they will continue this time of togetherness in their homes. Let food, fun, and family permeate our homes and bring us closer together as we allow God to take us on a journey of living and find simple ways to celebrate along the way.
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with
each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And
cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have
the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and
direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts
out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
~ Colossians 3:15-17
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