Encountering God At Mealtime
by William Batson

Family time is not exactly top priority among Americans. According to a recent Harris poll, we would rather curl up with a good book or lounge in front of the television than spend time with our families. Spending time with family was the top choice of only 13% of the respondents. It may take some effort to round everyone up, but it is worth it when we gather as a family.

Brian Madvig (Covenant Companion, Sep 1998, pg. 10-12) suggests we make it a priority to gather with family members at mealtime. The meal is a common denominator in which we build relationships by discussing family history or the day's incidents. Of course, not all table conversation is positive. Sometimes feelings do get hurt. Madvig says that "this, too, is part of deepening our relationships to each other, loving one another despite faults, weaknesses, and failings."

Sharing a meal together is a wonderful opportunity to encounter God in a special way. Sitting around a table spread with food for the hungry, we are reminded that God is our provider. Without his intervention in our lives there is little we can do.

Madvig suggests that God is mysteriously present when a family breaks bread together. "Perhaps it's when we note the special laugh God gave one of our children. Perhaps it's when we discuss how God could always exist. Either way, we further experience this intimate mystical encounter when we parents nourish our children's perception of God. Based on our example, do they picture Him as harsh and dictatorial or loving and caring?"

How many times a week does your family gather to share a meal? What would it take to make it happen? You may be missing a wonderful opportunity to create memories, deepen family ties, and encounter God in some interesting ways.

(William Batson is Director of Vision New England's Family Builders Ministries.)