Of all the tables in our lives, the Lord’s Table is the most important. As we consider tables–from the beautiful table scapes at a fine dining restaurant to the pizza and paper plate spread at your kitchen counter–I hope you’ll think of our Lord. Keep reading for 6 things to ponder at the table that will point you to Him.

A few years ago we remodeled our new-to-us house. One of the first priorities was to add more light because we sit on a wooded lot–beautiful but the inside of the house can be dark. 

So we did something pretty drastic. We moved the kitchen from the back of the house to the front where the formal living room used to be. (We’ve never been a formal-living-room kind of family.) That space was filled with sunlight from the east and south-facing windows.

Add a big kitchen island?

As we planned the layout, I figured we’d do what most 21st century remodelers do. Add a big island. Really big. Buy some cool-looking stools so everyone can sit around the island. Everybody hangs out in the kitchen anyway. 

But. 

This would be our daily hang-out spot. Even just me and my sweetie. We didn’t have another spot for a regular kitchen table.

So, we contemplated.  We looked at pictures on Pinterest.  We visited local kitchen stores. Went on home tours.

Islands were everywhere.  Some islands were granite, solid surface, and cold which we weren’t crazy about. My husband is an inventor-dreamer and thought we could heat the countertop so it wouldn’t feel cold.  

Turns out that’s quite pricey.

What about a wood countertop? Hmm. That’s a thought.

An Insight

And then. Boom! A brilliant insight. What about a kitchen table smack dab in the middle of the kitchen? Right there where most people would put an island. 

And it worked. We now have a long narrow maple table. It seats 8. It’s the heart of our home.

Our Big Chill Table

It’s also what we lovingly call our Big Chill Table. (If you are an empty-nester, you will know exactly what I’m talking about. If you’re younger, just click here to catch a short clip of the table.  It’s 1983 so keep that in mind. I’m hesitant to recommend the entire movie as it is R-rated. But the music is good. And the table. Oh, and I never knew Kevin Costner was actually sort of in the movie. This is what happens when you disappear down an internet rabbit hole.)

Back to the table. 

The Heart of Our Home

It’s where conversations begin. Where we play spades and MahJong and make chocolate chip cookies. It’s where we do taxes and devotions and eat candlelight suppers while watching Poldark. It’s where we put the chips and dips and catsup and mustard and a big bucket filled with cans of sparkling water for our barbecues. And yes, it’s where we eat pizza, pasta, potatoes.

 It’s in the middle of our lives. The center. The heart. 

 Your table—or your island—is probably the same. 

The Tables in Our Lives

If you picture your tables, you’ll wander back to moments. Maybe it’s a good memory; maybe a painful or sad one; maybe there’s a candle in the center. A basket of fruit. Or a stack of textbooks. Or just simply salt and pepper shakers. 

When I go back to my childhood table, I see my feet dangling. They didn’t quite reach the floor but I managed to “take the floor” plenty of times in our family of seven. I was the talker and loved to share the stories of my day. (I’m pretty sure my siblings longed to share theirs too, but I didn’t give them much room at that table.) Mom would fill our plates—ham ring with creamed peas and a bowl of fruit cocktail—we’d say our table prayer and dig in.

Or the cafeteria table in high school or my first apartment table or favorite restaurant table? 

The Lord’s Table

There’s another table that’s always been in my life. The Lord’s Table. In my faith tradition, this is where I go to receive the bread and the wine, the body and the blood of my Lord and Savior. I’m fed. Completely.

“And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

Luke 22:14-20 (ESV)

Here’s a beautiful hymn that always brings tears of joy as I remember the forever question: who am I? And the answer. I am His.

6 Things to Ponder at the Table

My hope and my prayer for you today is that you will remember or ponder these six things about the Lord.

1. He is peace.

2. He is the King.

3. He is free. (That’s grace.)

4. He is real.

5. He is good.

6. He makes us whole.

Now go be with your people at your table and give thanks. (And if you don’t have a table–or any people–consider a visit to your local Christian church to find both.)

Just so you know. This is not my kitchen table. It’s a lovely photo by Annie Gray on Unsplash. I tried taking my own picture but the lighting just wasn’t right. I’ll share it over on my Instagram and Facebook account, if you want to check out our real table. (Link below to both those spots.)

This post was inspired by the word table at the Five Minute Friday community.