Investing Round the Table

Preparing a table is more about setting the stage for cultivating relationships than place settings and interesting tablescapes.  A prepared table invokes a mood, serves as the background for fond memories, and showcases beauty and creativity, contributing to a greater appreciation of seasonal changes.  Celebrations demand a prepared table where favorite dishes grace familiar plates, and loved ones gather to express love to the one celebrated and to each other.  The act of preparing together time-honored recipes establishes traditions – providing structure and a healthy framework for family life.   By inviting younger ones to bring their stool and don their apron, or entrusting them with the all important task of laying out the utensils, they are made to feel valued and given a sense of belonging.

Pausing at the table often to take it all in, to digest both what is served and more importantly what is said, allows for testimonies of God’s goodness to pass between generations.  Just as God prepared a table land for His sheep in dire need of a Good Shepherd, we have opportunity to prepare a safe and nurturing environment in the midst of a dangerous and destructive culture.  God goes before us and addresses the dangers, the poisonous plants, the snares, wild animals, steep cliffs, polluted watering holes, and makes provision.  Not only does He prepare the table land, but He accompanies His sheep, making Himself present and available to feed, protect, and rest His loved ones.  May we as under-shepherds, parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, elder siblings do likewise, and know the deep joy of investing at table!!

I spent last weekend assisting my multi-talented daughter, Charlcie, with decorating her home for fall.  With a few sprigs of fall foliage, a fairy tale pumpkin, and pictures of Baby Jax, we went to work transforming her living and dining room.  Old bottles repurposed as vases stood tall in their appointed places.  A banner swagged across the kitchen window celebrated our newest family member, Baby Jax, both in pictures and captions.  (Visit Storehouse Crafts at http://storehousecrafts.blogspot.com/2011/10/instagram-polaroid-banner.html for the tutorial for making a polaroid banner). 

We carried the theme out into the entryway to warmly welcome all who visit her home.  From the guest room closet we pulled out pillows no longer in everyday use and mixed them in for a pop of fall color.  To top off our experience of ushering in fall, we went out for a wonderful fall breakfast, to the pumpkin patch for pictures, and on Sunday to the park for a walk along the river and sugar cookie decorating (see previous post).  What a joy to prepare a table with my daughter for her family!!!

Please share in the comments section how you prepare your home for fall and usher in a spirit of thanksgiving long before the turkey is purchased.

And for a real treat, visit Charlcie's website,  http://www.facebook.com/#!/AndersonEythPhotography  to enjoy more of her photography.  Have a wonderful week preparing tables and dining in the presence of the Lord!!

Charlcie and Baby Jax in the Pumpkin Patch

Filled with His Goodness,

Terry

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