Can you imagine if a group of us got together and started sharing our food stories? You’ve probably been in this scenario. There’s nothing like the one-upping of global workers when it comes to the wild things we’ve eaten and the awkward situations we’ve found ourselves in around a table.
I vividly remember the moment I sat on a newspaper-covered concrete floor. The food was spread out in a long line on the floor, and me and my students sat around our “table.” The eyes of all my students were turned toward me. They waited with baited breath for me to take a bite of the delicacy prepared for me: fried dog intestine.
There are certain people I cannot tell that story because I don’t want their dog-loving faces to look at me in horror. Because yes, I did eat it. But I can share that here with you because you get it, right? You’ve probably had a similar moment. Maybe it wasn’t dog intestines but something else you stifled your gag reflex for in order to swallow, while your host looked on expectantly? What was it for you?
I remember the time my teammates and I were all enjoying a special meal that some local friends were hosting for us. One at a time, we each realized that the eggs we were eating were filled with ants. I got to watch the realization dawn on each of my teammates. Let’s just say some people were better than others at hiding their reactions.
Each of us could probably share an awkward moment we’ve had around a table. But we could also share a table moment that has profoundly touched us. Maybe it was the incredible generosity that was lavished on you as your host kept piling more and more food on your plate, and all the while, you knew this food came at a great financial sacrifice to them.
Maybe it was the hours and hours your host spent preparing a meal for you. Maybe it was the explosion of flavors in your mouth as you tasted something delightful you’d never experienced before. Maybe it was the unhurried pace around a table where everyone lingered long and laughed hard.
Table moments are sacred. Jesus certainly thought so. This is why he chose to provide bread and fish to a hungry crowd of thousands. Twelve baskets left over, lavish generosity. This is why, in the final moments with his twelve disciples before his death, Jesus gathered them around a table for supper, the last supper. This is why, after pouring out their hearts to Jesus on the road, the disciples finally recognized their risen Lord at a table in the act of breaking bread.
Table moments are sacred. And Jesus has a table moment for you. Jesus longs to be your host. He longs for unhurried time with you, where he can lavish you with his goodness.
This weekend, all around the globe, we are responding to Jesus’s invitation to come to the table. We’re stepping away from our daily lives and ministries and responsibilities so we can retreat with him. We’re stepping away so we can savor time with God.
It’s our yearly Velvet Ashes online retreat. Everything is ready. An entire retreat is planned for you. It’s ready for you to experience alone or with a group, either this weekend or on your own schedule.
Maybe you’re ready to jump into this time with God to celebrate all the joy in your life right now. Or maybe you’re dragging your feet into this time because life is so hard and so heavy right now. The amazing thing about your host is that he knows just what you need.
He’s prepared a table for you. Come taste and see.
