Sitting around a table is one of my favorite things. Good food and good conversation make for even better memories. This weekend will be spent at these tables. You can draw a few conclusions if you look closely. Large drinking vessels, brownies, bagels, and a box of kleenex; what more could we possibly need. Right?
In this busy, noisy world we’re required to seek out intentional solitude. There’s a constant battle being waged for our attention, energy, and mind. Although we often want and even know that we need that solitude, it’s not easy to come by. Sometimes our only option is to remove ourselves from the distractions and force ourselves to sit. Quietly. In the uncomfortable silence with our thoughts. And the moment those thoughts become challenging, we’re looking for more noise. The next distraction. Anything to give a reason to NOT sit with those ugly feelings.
The beauty of sitting around a table (often it’s a figurative table) is that we find we aren’t alone. The mutual struggles (although they might present themselves differently in each of our lives). The tensions. It’s all common to man. Right? But something happens around a table; especially if that table’s been set for us by the lover of our soul. It’s as if He’s sitting at the head of the table loving on His family simply because He’s there.
We see the world through the eyes of our experiences. And despite the fact that our experiences might vary, we all long for the same things: love, time, hope, etc. All of those things are found in our Creator. Not the next sporting event or day at work. Not the newest series on Netflix. Not even our kids, our spouse, or our best friend.
We’re gathering around tables this weekend. Sitting quietly. Leaning in to hear every word. And we’re alone on a porch with only the sound of the donkeys in the barn while the sun comes up on the horizon. It’s good to be here. With tears of sorrow, loss, and anger infused intermittently with tears of joy and laughter. We’re bringing it all to the table.
Acts 17:27 ~ “….that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us….”