Our table, of course, is functional for meals. We have at least two meals a day there during the regular work week. Snacks, pizza, chips, candy, fruit, soup, cookies, and a myriad of other things are served in that beautiful kitchen. The kitchen isn't beautiful because of hours spent making it beautiful. It's beautiful because love surrounds the table on all sides. Meals are started with a blessings and children and adults express love and appreciation when sitting there, enjoying something sweet or savoury.
Our kitchen is a safe refuge. It is a place to come and have a cup of tea, share whatever is bothering you and have someone listen deeply to whatever is happening in your mind. It's a place to feel a connection without fear of judgment.
Out table is also a classroom. It's a place where people read, learn, and write together. My children do homework. Justin practices his handwriting as well as read Roald Dahl books. Aidan likes to do fun connect the dots and word games. Jordan likes being involved in these activities when they happen. Even my husband brings his work to the table.
Most importantly, our table is a sacred alter. Food offers us an opportunity to take care of our bodies and take care of our souls. The nutritional values is obvious. We have to eat. The spiritual side is this. When we offer food thoughtfully and with respect, caring for and honoring those at the table, it creates an atmosphere where sharing, laughing and relating happens naturally. Fellowship revives the soul.
Every meal is a still life, in real time and space of the convergence of God’s creative and redemptive acts. This may not be overtly explained in a blessing or a conversation. The complex arrays of colors, textures, aromas, and, of course, tastes that we participate in rise out of the variety of God’s creative acts. The table fellowship is a foretaste of full redemption when Christ’s wedding feast culminates in the wedding feast of the lamb. We will sit and enjoy the finest of friends, perfectly aged wine, and the best food.
The bottom line, for me, is this. Food, and everything that comes as a result of preparing it, is an act of worship.