Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.”
My Momma loved to cook. With six children and numerous houseguests staying far longer than any would dare stay today, cooking for the masses should have been a chore. But not for my Momma. Grocery clerks were her peeps, testing new recipes was her hobby, and stretching the budget so thin you could see through it was her talent.
As we crowded around the kitchen table, little did we realize Momma was nourishing both body and soul as she taught valuable life lessons. So, as we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day, allow me to reflect on the gifts from Momma’s table.
Momma’s table taught us. . .
gratefulness: Each meal began with prayer where God was praised, God was thanked, and petitions were made. Every name of those around our table was brought before the Father.
the real purpose of keeping elbows in: At Momma’s table everyone ate with elbows in. No, momma was not a stickler for etiquette, she just wanted all included. Our kitchen chairs were replaced with picnic benches so when guests arrived (and there were many), we could always squeeze one more onto a bench, leaving no room for elbows to be spread out.
friendships trump formality: Although a pristine home and properly set table was preferred by Momma, she never let these prevent her from opening her home. If laundry was visible, she would comment how blessed she was with a big family that she couldn’t keep up with laundry. Her motto: My house is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy!
hospitality trumps entertainment: Entertainment is meant for impressing others, but hospitality is meant for serving others. And serving was what Momma did best.
God’s view of humanity and unconditional love: Momma’s table was the great equalizer and void of social boundaries. At her table, the rich and poor, famous and infamous, social elite and social outcasts, new acquaintances and old friends all received honor as a child of God.
the sweetness of conversation: Far from the distraction of television and prior to the curse of social media, Momma’s table offered positive conversation and abundant joyfulness. When there was no dessert, it wasn’t missed, for sweet laughter was abundant over a cup of coffee.
Table-ministry was Momma’s calling, but her inspiration was Jesus, the greatest table-minister of all time. Our Savior elevated the value of sharing meals together. So friend, let us all consider table-ministry and fill hungry souls while inspiring lifelong Kingdom seekers.
Father God, may we seek those who need to be filled with Your presence.
Blessings,
Rita Cochrane