Dining together can bring families closer

"Celebrate with your family ..."

-Deuteronomy 26:11 (LB)

Family ties are among the most important aspects of our life.

"Be home in time for dinner" was something most of us heard growing up in the '60s. When the kids are still home or the grandchildren are around, a family meal gives us opportunity to create special, lifetime memories.

Family gathering around the meal table is a tradition that appears to have become lost in the modern trends of busy lifestyles or solitude. Nowadays, each person grabs their meal to sit in front of the TV or computer.

We think nothing of it. But experts say this is a big reason for breakdowns of love and communication that is normally 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 others. When families share mealtime it gives them an opportunity to talk about their day. It can form a special bond only spending time together creates.

Jesus often had meals with others. Prints of "The Last Supper" hang in many of our homes. It depicts Jesus dining with his 12 disciples. This was God's example given to us of the importance of bonding at mealtime.

When we look at the breakdown of our relationships, we might consider how often we take the time to dine together. We don't have to make a rigid goal of doing it every night; however, the more the better.

Sometimes we need to 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.

Forming a new habit of dining together, whether daily or at least on several occasions, can form family ties that make for 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.