Create family memories during meal time
"Celebrate with your family …"
- Deuteronomy 26:11 (LB)
Family ties are among the most important aspects of our life. With this in mind, we often grasp at ways to keep our family ties intact.
When the kids are still home or the grandchildren are around, a family meal gives us an opportunity to create special memories that remain with us the rest of our lives.
Family gathering around the meal table is a tradition that appears to have become lost in the modern trends of busy lifestyles and solitude caused by the separation of larger living spaces. Nowadays, each person grabs their meal to sit in front of the T.V. or dashes off to eat in the solitude of their room while they sit on their computer. We think nothing of it.
But experts say this type of activity is a large cause for breakdowns of love and communication that is exchanged when families dine together.
One of God's greatest gifts to us is the unity of family. Deep in our hearts, we have a desire to be connected with our loved ones. When families share mealtime, it gives them an opportunity to communicate about their day. When passing the salt or pepper, it can form a special bond only spending time together creates.
Jesus often had meals with others. One of the most famous paintings is that of Jesus dining with his 12 disciples. This was the example given to us of bonding together at mealtime.
When we look at the breakdown of our relationships, we might consider how often we take the time to have a meal together. We don't have to make a rigid goal of dining together every night, however, I think the more it occurs, the better.
We should make an effort to gather our loved ones together for a time of eating and sharing.
If they are willing, meeting an adult child for coffee or a sandwich can keep a connection going when they're living away from home. We don't have to leave the invitation up to them, we can be the first to make a suggestion to meet.
Forming a new habit of dining, whether daily or at least on several occasions, can keep us from the risk of losing out on the family ties that make for lasting memories.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, motivational speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413. Visit her website at annetteebudzban.com. She will be speaking at 2 p.m. Feb. 18 at Panera Bread Round Lake Beach.