The Kitchen Table

When I was growing up, my family and I would go and visit my grandparents on my mom’s side. Some of my favorite memories is sitting in the house talking with my extended family and hearing this booming voice come out of the kitchen saying “I don’t mean to be ugly, but…” normally followed by something ugly. Granny had this plastic patio table in her kitchen that she would sit at when all of us were over so she could carry on a conversation with everyone. The joy that came from hearing her just jump into conversations and tell you what she thinks was the best.

I have found that this kitchen table has played an even bigger role in my life than I thought. Sitting around the table, Granny would offer counsel, give guidance, tell you how stupid you were being, and just generally get to know your life more and more. Granny had the perfect place to do ministry. I find myself sitting at the kitchen table now-a-days listening to students, throwing a joke their way every so often, and being there for counsel.

Christians, we need to put ourselves at this kitchen table. We need to do our best to be a part of the lives around us and offer guidance and counsel where we can. We keep looking at the world or at the generations coming behind us complaining about them, yet we never place ourselves in the right spot to listen and make a difference. How is the church to survive if you don’t even know their names? Being a part of the lives of others is where discipleship begins, and I beg you to find you kitchen table and make that difference.