{Day Seventeen} :: Gather Around the Table

Not long after Hubby and I got married and moved into our first place together, I found one of those vinyl-letter quotes that you rub onto a wall. It was perfect, and I couldn't wait to put it up in our home. But once I realized it was a one-use deal, I couldn't bring myself to use it in our apartment. I wanted to save it for somewhere we'd be a while. So I held on to it for two and a half years, and when we moved into this house, it went up over the bay window in our kitchen.

I love it because it's true. Many of my favorite memories were formed in the kitchen (or dinning room). Of course, my parents had a lot to do with that. Family dinners were a priority when I was growing up. Even if it meant we had to eat at 4:30 p.m. because of ballet classes or soccer games, Mom and Dad made sure we sat down together for as many dinners as possible each week.

Yes, there were years when conversation was sparse (what teenager really wants to tell all to Mom and Dad?), but my parents figured out ways to get us to open up a bit. High/Low was a game often played at mealtime - a game where each person had to share the best and worst thing that happened that day. It didn't always bring about elaborate or deep conversations, but it got the job done. It made sure we knew what was going on in everyone's life, and it communicated we cared about each other.

But my table memories aren't limited just to my parents and my brother. Since my dad was a pastor, folks were constantly coming and going, and if you happened to drop by around meal time there was a place for you at our table. Once a month there was a Saturday morning staff meeting during which breakfast was served to Dad's volunteers. Mom hosted countless parties, teas, dinners and desserts for all kinds of people - neighbors, ladies at church, and friends. And family reunions at Thanksgiving or Christmas were always full of yummy eats and funny stories.

A good meal around the table - or gathered in the living room or on the back deck - always seems to put people at ease. It always manages to make folks feel welcomed and at home. It always manages to communicate care and love. And it's something I've carried into my marriage. Whether it's pizza on the couch, a full meal at our kitchen table or a birthday dinner on the china in the dining room, Hubby and I try our best to sit down to eat together each day. We hope to continue the tradition as our family grows someday.

Now it's your turn. Do you make it a point to share meals with your family and friends? Tell me your fondest memory made around the table (or the living room or porch or whatever).

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I can't believe we're more than halfway through this 31 Days series. I've really enjoyed sharing with you and seeing what you share, too. If you're just joining us, why don't you catch up over here?