Throughout history, humans have gathered together to share a meal and, most certainly, some important and meaningful conversation.  The simple routine – (yes, I know, not so simple to arrange at times!) – of a shared meal reunites us with our families and brings a sense of well-being to our lives. 

In the 1970s when I was a child we sat at our small dining table to eat meals.  Breakfast at the table was quiet, if I hurried to avoid eating at the same time as my brother who annoyed me to no end with his eating habits.  (I would knock on my mother’s bedroom door to tattle on him for his disgusting slurping and crunching!).  Lunch meals were eaten in various places, mostly outside on the sidewalk while playing with friends.  It was dinner at the family table that brought our entire family together the most. 

Nowadays, in many households, family members all eat separately, according to their own schedules.  It is unfortunate that so many people are on the run most of the time, sparing little time for deep, rich, and relaxed connection with family members.  I know because it happens in my household too and it begs the question: what is gained as a result of being, doing, and having more when it requires us to be, do, and have away from our family and give up one of the most simple and wonderful experiences of daily life?  And what is lost as a result of omitting this life-balancing ritual of dinner at the table? 
 
It’s not about “dinner” at the table.  It’s not about dinner “at the table.”  It’s about what happens when we gather together with an intent to nourish ourselves and one another with food for the body, conversation for the mind, and love for the soul.  It is true that we can eat food together while moving around the room or have conversation while on our way to karate class or express love as we read and tuck our children into bed.  But we miss something essential and precious when we miss dinner at the family table with the ones we love:  a special connection between hearts and an unveiling of souls. 

In all honesty, I have just two memories about sitting at our dinner table when I was young (well, three, counting my brother’s annoyances).  One is the period of time when my arms were growing so fast that I misjudged my reach and spilled my milk every night for a week!  The other memory is simply this:  there was once upon a time when we were a family…..and it felt good and right and perfect to be together in this very simple and lovely way.  I felt connected to my family and I knew I was loved.  It is for this reason alone that I cherish dinner at the table with my family.  Actually, anything at the table with my family – games, puzzles, journaling time, craft time, reading, prayer, meditation – it doesn’t much matter what we do at the family dinner table, love is found there. 

Blessings to you and yours,
Cathy
www.CathyNorthcutt.com
c.northcutt@cox.net

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