The Lessons of Life were Taught and Remembered Around the Kitchen Table

at 08/24/07 4:30PM
Our big kitchen table occupied the center of our home with dignity. Much more than a place for family meals, it was also the site of our family’s recreation, education and discipline. It was the center of our home where we played together, studied our Bibles together or shared reading aloud many good children’s books. Houses and roads built of Legos, a sheet thrown over the table to create a tent, or a game of dominos –– they all took their turn at our table. The table was often piled with books as the boys did their homework there. When electricity was not available, the evenings took full heed to silence because Dad was at the table, preparing his sermons. Dad could not study with distractions around him and three sons and a wife were definite distractions.
Our dinners were filled with reports of the day’s observations and activities, with praise freely given when deserved. Because we all liked to be heard, the supper table wasn’t a quiet place –– the boys often arguing, telling tales on each other and loudly competing for attention, or Mom jumping up to refer to the encyclopedia to solve an argument. Dad tolerated the noise . . . to a point. When that point came activity was reduced to furtive glares and kicks and meaningful looks from Mom.
The boys honed their personalities around the table, battling fiercely for recognition. They learned the "thou-shalt-nots" of life, and the "love-one-another" rule, too. They also learned the rules of behavior after being banished to their rooms for a rude remark, sometimes a complaint concerning the food, or when Dad had "had enough." At the table they learned that sometimes life was not always fair.
Likewise, they learned that the injustices of life need not hold them back; that honors earned but not bestowed need not cause despair. Our kitchen table helped to prepare them to face the world with confidence. Through life at our table, our boys became aware of their responsibilities to society, the satisfaction of achievement, the necessity for authority and the joy of belonging.
Our table was large enough for us to gather around, but small enough to keep us close. Our table, like our home, instilled in each of us the worth of the individual and the gift of love for each other.

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” Deut.6:6-7

Do write and tell me about your kitchen table.
  • belizemama
    A key time of learning how to pray.
    by belizemama at 08/25/07 5:37PM
  • granny
    Yes! I still laugh to remember how I was taught, "Dear Father in heaven, thank you for the food. In Jesus' name, amen." It wasn't until I was 13 that I got the nerve to say more than that. From that experience, we taught our sons to "branch" out early, to TALK to God, whether at the table or at bedtime, whenever. Carol, thanks for the addition.
    by granny at 08/27/07 8:59AM
  • samngloria
    Hey Aunty Joanne, it's Gloria! How are you. Good to 'see' you on here. :)
    by samngloria at 08/27/07 12:32PM
  • samngloria
    Hey Aunty Joanne, it's Gloria! How are you. Good to 'see' you on here. :)
    by samngloria at 08/27/07 12:32PM
  • granny
    Well! dear daughter, how are our little ones? How am I? Hey, I am teaching a Bible class today so life is great. But the prep time takes far too much time :-) Writing new material for African students surely is different from Stateside. Seen your mom lately? And tell me more about how your big sister is doing. I miss you guys.
    by granny at 08/29/07 3:01AM
  • granny
    Ha! Just went to your site and learned your are a an auntie now.
    by granny at 08/29/07 3:03AM
  • unclespike
    I am too, old! I turn 24 next month.
    by unclespike at 08/29/07 3:56AM
  • granny
    Now, THAT is ancient. I've started over...
    by granny at 08/30/07 9:07AM