The Turquoise Table: The Heart of the Author
Co-hosts Vickie Petz Henderson and Jasa Babb enjoy their open door policy and the ministry of presence. Listen in to their discussion of
THE TURQUOISE TABLE: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard
by Kristen Schell
What can we learn from an 86 year old woman named Ludmilla living in Prague? The ministry of presence; sit and listen and ask,
“Lord, what do you want me to do?”
After a gathering in her backyard, the author moved a picnic table to the front yard, painted it turquoise and started a movement that is now in every state and five countries. The front yard invites. Turquoise tables have been donated to hospitals and have brought all kinds of people together.
Don’t wait until your house is nice enough or clean enough to entertain. Give the gift of vulnerability and have guests when there are dirty dishes in the sink. Because it’s the ordinary moments that matter. “We live for big events, but what matters is that we show up.” God is always at work.
“The way to a friend’s heart is through the ears.” Connectedness gives life meaning and relationship building requires long obedience in the same direction. Pray for the ministry of presence, then listen and ask, “Tell me more.” It is the key to unlocking a relationship. Focus on a deeper purpose.
During a photo session with the turquoise table, the table broke. Rather than repair it, it was propped up with a clay pot because,
“We are broken people with broken hearts and broken lives and we come together around broken tables.”
So relax and come on in. Vulnerability leads to compassion. We are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are called to love one another and share hope and truth.
C.S. Lewis said, “Isn’t it funny how day to day nothing changes but when you look back, everything is different.”
God sees the big picture and how beautifully the moments fit together.
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