This past week I made my fifth move in two years. It was a big milestone in the sense that this time, I knew it would be the move that I could settle into for awhile. There has been a lot of wandering, wondering, and waiting and finally having a place to call home again has brought a lot of joy and gratefulness.
If there is one thing in my apartment that sort of bridges my time of being married to now, it is my dining room table. We had originally bought it when we moved into our house that was a step up from our starter.
It is a table that holds a lot of memories for me. Many people have gathered at that table whether it be from a life group, Bible study, family, friends, or church fellowship. Many meals, some family style, have been eaten and accompanied with laughter and joy.
In times of solitude, it was a place I could sit and get the best view of green jays on the bush outside the dining room window. Occasionally, I could see hummingbirds and mockingbirds building their nests too.
It also held mismatched plates that were my grandmothers, moms, or were specifically picked out at an antique store.
I loved my table for many reasons and it was one of the things my husband bought for me as we made our new house our home.
This past week as I settled into my new place, I was able to have company over. I made my first meal to serve at the table for a couple of high school youth and a youth leader. As requested by one of the youth, I made sure to not over cook the chicken.
So…
Out came my favorite platters and dishes.
Out came the focus of planning a meal again for more than just one.
Out came a happiness in my heart to entertain and show hospitality in my home again.
Out came the holding of hands as we prayed over the meal.
Out came the great conversation that people encounter when they share a meal and sit face to face.
When everyone left….
Out came the tears as I realized how long it’s been and the memories of a past season.
But, out came the realization that I get to do it all over again in a new way. Maybe my spouse won’t be with me at the table as I begin to break bread with others in my new place. However, God is still there. He will still be at the center as we gather. He will still be there when it’s just me and my plate. He will still bring the opportunities to share the gospel and fellowship. And for that, I’m extremely grateful and blessed. I look forward to the many meals and friends that I will get to share life with at the table in this new season.
Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom has built her house;
she has set up[a] its seven pillars.
She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
She has sent out her servants, and she calls
from the highest point of the city,
“Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
“Come, eat my food
and drink the wine I have mixed.
Leave your simple ways and you will live;
walk in the way of insight.”
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