The Table

Recently, a friend of mine turned 40 years old.  Her husband planned lots of surprises during her Birthday week but the one that she talked about most was the brunch around 'the table' with her friends.

You see, this wasn't just any table. It had been built as a place for ministry.  This table has seated the important, the foreign, the disabled, poor, and the children. This table's purpose was for warm, genuine, authentic community during a simple meal.  And it was lovely.  And it was purposeful.  It was everyone's table.  Many have celebrated at this Table.  And many have met Jesus at this Table.

I read about this at the beginning of the year but it has stuck with me for so many reasons.  First, it speaks my "Love Language", which is quality time.  Time to prepare. Time to plan. Time with friends.  Time to share. Time to eat.  Yet nothing timed about it.  I love everything to do with time (just ask my husband)!

I also love that it is beautiful and specifically decorated and prepared for my friend...colors, food, flowers, etc.  Just for her.

But ya know what strikes me the most about table?  The live, intentional, authentic community in an age of Facebook friends and online friendships.  There is a deepness here.  This is a place where you ask good questions, you lean in and listen with your heart.   This is a place to gather 'round, scoot your seat up, get another helpin', look at each other and share life together.

The seats at this table don't see age. or race. or background. or education. or clothing.  These seats don't say "Girl, you did what?"  The seats at this table are covered in grace and mercy and love and understanding.  They hear where you've been and how far you have come.  They hear the pain and lean in to hear the comfort coming from another seat.

I want a Table.

Jesus did so many things around the table. It wasn't just a place to gather and eat.  He had motives. He had intentions. He had things He needed to teach and tell.  He showed grace and love at the table.

If you had a table, who would you invite?  For me, I would invite the one who is hospitable, the one who is lonely, the friend, the one who is disabled, the one who loves love and the one who has never known love.  That's just on the first night!  Then I'd invite the hungry, the kind, the hungry, the child, the hungry and missionary.

I love this Table. It's everyone's table. Everyone deserves it. Everyone longs for it's love. And everyone can meet Jesus there.

This is a place we can flourish....



(Picture and story from the Hills)