I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some company! Pull up a seat and discover a recipe for filling the chairs around your own table. The isolation of the last couple of years has taken its toll on all of us. Most nights I ate dinner for one at a table for ten. Unless of course, you counted my invisible companions: loneliness, unforgiveness, anger, pride, perfectionism and all their friends. It’s definitely time for some new company.
Nine empty chairs
Nearly four years ago, I moved into a new home with an incredible view and a much-needed mid-life fresh start. Leaving behind Christmas decorations, dishes and most of my furniture, I literally started over – single. One of the few pieces of furniture I moved to the new house was my dining room table. it’s old, worn and nothing fancy, but I added the leaf the leaf that was stored under my bed for years to expand it. The leaf is a shade darker because the rest of the table faded from sunlight. New chairs were added to update the look – ten of them to be exact. Then it was dinner for one at a table for ten.
I’m an off the charts extrovert and I love people. Nothing makes me happier than for every seat at that table to be occupied. Food and fellowship satisfy my heart.
Until age forty, I rarely cooked, unless you count opening a can of vegetables. Then I planted herbs, made bread from scratch and created my own recipes. Now I’m a mediocre cook who’s discovered the therapeutic power of kneading, slicing, and preparing a meal. Even better if it’s shared because I don’t want to eat dinner for one at a table for ten.
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 (NLT)
Dinner for one at a table for ten
One by one every member of my family moved out and away, except the Aussie, she still sits eagerly waiting for a crumb to fall. But most evenings, I ate dinner for one at a table for ten. Except on Sundays, then I eat at the bar.
It’s hard for me to admit, but I went through a season of incredible loneliness. Maybe you felt it too. Even as I write this, I’m not sure I won’t edit it out. In fact, I think the hang up I’ve had with writing is that I don’t feel comfortable being honest with you. But here’s what I know – I am not alone in feeling that way. Isolation magnified our aloneness, and even if others live in your house, most of us are craving connection.
“Tables are very intimate places.”
Rosario Butterfield
Recipe for connection
Jesus spent time alone in prayer, but his social life seemed important too. He received wedding invitations and visited the sick. His disciples even learned the meaning of his death and resurrection around the table. There’s a long list of dinner parties he attended. After his resurrection he cooked breakfast for his friends.
We all need connection with others, and it often happens at the table, sharing a meal. It feels like we got out of the habit and though it was necessary, it’s time to fill the chairs around the table.
“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or place to stay.” 1 Peter 4:9 (NLT)
Are you ready? Even if you don’t have nine empty chairs, you want to savor good conversation over the universal thing that brings us together. If you need to know how to fill the chairs at your table, or just want a peek at my kitchen, join me for the Interesting People Dinner series
There’s a place for you at the table
Sign up today and learn my secrets to entertaining. I’ll share some tips, gadgets, recipes and recommendations. You’ll get a glimpse into the conversation. Who knows, there might be a book list, gardening tips or stories about God’s power and presence. Want to join me? You need to RSVP.
It’s going to be so fun! Don’t eat alone. Learn more HERE. Sign up HERE. Share with a friend HERE.
I feel you! Most of the time I’m alone in my empty nester home because the kids and grandkids have busy lives and it’s no longer share with a husband either. It’s been a hard couple years…his retiring from a life of military service, rough transition, Covid isolation on top of that, and a divorce. Lots of pain and grief and aloneness. I look forward to your new series. I’m starting a Bible study group in my home this summer with ladies at church trying to fill my table a bit and help heal some hurts others might be feeling as well. We’re better together.
So glad you’re taking the initiative and hosting a Bible study. Those relationships are priceless. Hope you can join me for dinner sometime! I’ll add you to my invite list
I’m looking forward to your inspiration.
Looking forward to your timely encouragement and inspiration. I think we all (me included) need some motivation to reach out and invite.