Comments on: Being a family is an art … and the dinner table is the place it finds expression

By: Scott Lee Spence

Scott Lee Spence — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 06:02:33 +0000

I don’t remember much about the Christmas presents I received as a child, but I do remember all the happy times with all the family members gathered around the Christmas dinner table.

By: Stephanie Wolfe

Stephanie Wolfe — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 15:16:48 +0000

Thank you so much for this post! Our children are now grown and have their own family dinner table. Our example of keeping the “table time” a positive and safe place is now alive in them. We didn’t allow that to be a time of correction or arguments. Not the time or place for rebukes or criticizing. For kids to WANT to spend time around the table – and do it for longer than 15 minutes – it needs to be inviting, life-giving, and connecting. Jack and I are big foodies and we love the dining experience we share together each night. We miss our kids and grandkids but during the holidays all 9 of us gather here and still enjoy this grateful presence with each other.

By: Gary Cook

Gary Cook — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 05:07:45 +0000

Like the post, Mike.
I think you have written elsewhere about the family table being a place of ministry to share with those lacking this experience.
Here are a couple of suggestions to make cooking workable for families/shared households.
Introduce (seasonal) variety when kids are young. Don’t just feed them favourites or you might end up having to cook 3 different dinners to meet preferences. Too much work!
Teach kids to cook, first as helpers, but 10 year olds can do everything necessary for a family meal.
Even if one person is happy to cook all the time, this life-skill needs practice by everyone before they leave for another household.
Double quantities/leftovers are the answer for nights requiring quick prep.

By: Mic Terracini

Mic Terracini — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 05:55:04 +0000

I love this!