Gather around the table for fellowship

"We have fellowship with one another."

- 1 John 1:7 (NIV)

"Do you know anyone who wants a dining room table?" my neighbor asked me as she was getting ready to move. "I don't think many people use them anymore," she said.

A few weeks later, I watched as my neighbor's six dining room chairs, table and matching hutch cabinet sat on the lawn ready to be placed in the moving van. As I stared at the furnishings, I pondered how many meals and hearty conversations may have been shared at that table.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it brings to our minds picturesque thoughts of holiday table settings with crystal glassware, silver eating utensils, neatly folded napkins and fine china plates strategically placed on a linen tablecloth. It's the American dream of a table set for the perfect meal.

I believe gathering at the table for a meal holds a deeper meaning than just being a place to hold our plate, fork and knife.

Jesus ate his Last Supper meal at a special table surrounded by the 12 disciples. These men were among his closest companions and he loved them dearly. This is where he taught them about communion.

I wonder how many meals they previously shared together with fellowship, laughter and an exchange of thoughts, ideas and truths before the last one.

Picturing this special meal can give us some insight to gathering around the table for our meals.

The heart of sharing a meal isn't found in the glamorous table settings or in the aroma of a tantalizing turkey. As we pass the potatoes, we show consideration to those next to us. As we share in saying grace and giving thanks, we join together in heart and mind.

As we exchange conversation, we get to know each other better and form bonds that cannot be easily broken. Gathering together for mealtime conversation can cause our relationships to mend and flourish.

This Thanksgiving, our tables may not be covered with the finest linens, but they can be covered with loving conversations and fellowship that fills our hearts with joy and lasting memories.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.