Where the Table Becomes Sacred
Our kitchen has become such a large focal point in our home. I often find when we have company we collect there, gathering around food, the room filling with laughter and deep conversation. I have a small bistro table next to the window (when the morning sun comes through it’s magical) that has held many emotional, tough, and joyful conversations. Our dining room table seats 12 and yet has somehow held 13 Homeschool children all school year. They’ve gathered there for art projects, classes, and lunch.
My heart for providing rich and wholesome meals to my family and friends is a strong conviction. I’m passionate about health and food- But, there is also something sacred about it. This deep connection with people that happens when belly’s are full and we’re all satisfied. Harvest and Hallow is just that for me- a place to share some of my favorite recipes, but also the focus of making our tables sacred again. The breaking of bread and pouring out souls. To hallow is to bless, consecrate, or render holy. I think somewhere down the line of generations we stopped gathering around the table and taking the time to truly sit and enjoy a meal together.
Something that sticks out from my childhood is meals gathered around the table. It was one of the only times I would get to listen to my brother’s enthusiasm about their day/ sports activities. I grew up between two age gapes of children and was usually helping with my younger sisters so I treasured having a seat at the table with the older children/ adults. In more recent years my father made a comment that struck me, he said “nobody ever asked me about my day or how I was doing”. Overshadowed by parenting sometimes makes us forget that there are people under that title and a connected family dinner has allowed us to be just that. People, just real about life and our feelings and open with our children. I would go as far as saying that one of the greatest joys of homeschooling has been just that- learning together as a family to be disciples of the Lord. One of my favorite quotes by Kate Bowler is that “we’re all just unapologetically human.” My kids hear me telling them often that we make mistakes, we learn from them, and we can’t help that we’re just human. In the quiet moments over a shared meal, the table becomes a place of grace- where we learn to be disciples together, speak truth in love, and remind one another that following Jesus happens right here, in the ordinary and everyday.
Slowing down and gathering around the table for a full wholesome meal. That’s where discipleship happens. Light a candle, break bread, and make room for slow conversations tonight. It matters more than we know.
What are some of your favorite memories around the table? I'd love to hear in the comments.