A Table for Three Please

I’ve often alluded in other blogs to our dinner table conversations, but this week I’ve been particularly reflective on them. They are the central regrouping point of the day for us. We plan our entire evening around getting to the table. And when it doesn’t happen, I feel like there’s a big hole in my evening.

But don’t let my joy of the dinner table elude you into thinking they are always Kodiak moments – remember I have 15 and 18 year old boys. But I wouldn’t trade the camaraderie for the world. Even when it starts off with someone having a bit of an attitude, it almost never ends that way. It’s a rare occasion when we all 3 don’t leave the table in a great mood.

We take turns saying grace. Each evening, I look at one of them, nod and say, “It’s your turn.” They are reluctant participants, but it’s not optional, so they resign themselves. The rule is often whoever puts food on their plate before we all sit down or takes the first bite must say grace. Zach almost always loses here. And Derek always gloats!

So the other evening, we all sat down and Zach’s plate was already full. He was filling it as I was putting the food on the table. I could see Derek grinning out of the corner of my eye, so I sat down, looked directly at Zach, nodded and said, “Derek, please have grace.” Derek and I just lost it. I laughed cuz I think I’m so funny and Derek was so caught off guard, he couldn’t compose himself for several minutes. Well, it was probably one of those “had to be there" moments.

My boys bring so much joy to my life; I can’t even begin to thank God enough for what He’s done in our family. I see them maturing in their faith and in their relationship with each other. It makes my heart swell.

So I’ll rest on that thought and not allow my mind to begin to wander to this summer when Derek will be gone for 18 weeks at Basic training and our table for 3 will be a table for 2…no, I’m not going there just yet. Actually, I think I'll turn my thoughts to when we all 3 will be sitting at the Great Banquet and their daddy can join us.