That is it – these things!  For years I have claimed the verse:

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

I pondered what things?  Spiritual, physical, or material?  Today it seemed that God was speaking to me.  That is it – “these things” – family and time spent with them.  These things are the treasures in my life. My grandchildren are carrying on the legacy of sitting at the table.   

The verse is clarifying the concept that God cares for animals, flowers and we are much more valuable than them.  It is not my house, yard, flowers – clothes, health, or even my service to my church that is of first importance.  It is the pure joy of sharing a meal with family and them sharing their lives with me.  Also, remembering other family members who are no longer sitting at our table.

Sharing around the dinner table has always been a priority in our family. John had a good example in his parents.  They hosted family and also friends from church often. 

First Table

Our first table was a grey Formica table with six chairs.  We purchased it in Atlanta at a furniture store operated by a very gracious man from our church.  He sold us a whole house of furniture – living room couch and chair, dining room table and chairs, coffee table, bedroom suite – bed, dresser, and chest of drawers.  All for $500.  A real bargain even in 1965. 

Second Table

Our second table was actually a gift from a friend – a drop leaf oak table.  This table is still in my house – actually on loan from our son.  I gave it to him a few years ago. 

Third and Current Table

Years later my husband bought a sturdy oak table at a yard sale in Michigan.  The table was solid but worn and even looked like it had been in a flood?? The chairs had black markings on the legs. The seats had dark green vinyl covers (with no padding).  John sanded, stained, and put several coats of polyurethane on the table and chairs.  It looked like a new table. His find has lasted over 40 years.  I have recovered the chairs several times and added foam padding. 

Our yard sale find has hosted many people from Michigan to Georgia.  Family gatherings, holidays, neighborhood socials and even game nights have made many memories around that oak piece. 

Much to my regret (concerned about scratching surface) we played games –  monopoly, rummi cube, spoons, dominoes, bunko and more.  The table needs refinishing and each year I plan to sand down and stain.  The chairs were repaired and reinforced to accommodate years of use. 

Now I’m hosting a Sunday lunch bunch with friends from church to add to my shrinking family.  The early church shared what they had in common.  Great way to share food and life with others. My husband always said, “You don’t really get to know people until you break bread together.”

Table Treasures

My granddaughter visited recently, and we enjoyed a time at the kitchen island.  No need to sit at the big table.  But sharing with her was a blessing.

The next Friday my youngest grandson and his girlfriend drove over from college to share a meal with me. What a special time.

I enjoyed hosting my oldest grandson and his wife the next Sunday; we had a great conversation after our meal.   Pure delight. 

This Sunday my son, his girlfriend and our grandson and wife came for family dinner.  We enjoyed meatloaf and some of that corn I prepared in the summer among other things.  But the best part was sharing our lives together.  That is what is important!

Who knew that family sharing a meal 60 years later would be so much fun even without my partner for 58 of those years.

Today that is so clear to me as I endeavor each day to seek God first in every decision I make that God will provide what I need.  Today it might be food to nourish myself, my family, or others.  Another day it might be finances to provide for a need for myself or someone else.  Today it was companionship with my family.  Yes, I provided the meal, but they stayed and shared memories of those who no longer grace our table. 

Our goal many years ago was to share meals with one another and family as we started out housekeeping with that vinyl top table.  The oak table provided great family times, ministry opportunities, and fellowship with friends. 

I’m thankful for that oak table and all the memories of holidays with family and celebrations with friends. 

A young person shared with me recently that their family rarely sat at the table for meals.  So sad. 

Table Challenge

What about you?  I encourage you to sit together with your family for meals.  Sure, it is hard when your children are in sports and practice and games interfere.  Work schedules and many things cause conflict.  But, make an effort.  Choose at least one night a week or Sunday dinner for family time.  You will not regret it.

Children need to feel important.  They need to share their experiences and opinions.

Please no phones.

Ask what is going on in their lives.

Allow them to share and ask questions.

Show appreciation for each other by spending time around

The Table.

Matthew 6:19-21

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.