Where do you usually eat your meals? Who do you typically eat with? What does your mealtime conversation sound like? Are you satisfied with your current setup?
You have likely heard the long list of benefits that come from sharing meals with loved ones. We all potentially eat 21 meals a week . . . so I have an idea to share in hopes of enhancing your frequent dining experiences. Then I want to invite you to apply this idea during at least one meal this week!
I reflect often how this season of parenting will impact our children (for better or for worse) for the rest of their lives.
That doesn’t feel paralyzingly weighty to me because I trust God ultimately parents them forever, and I know I’m not doing this alone. He is guiding me. However, Mark and I want to steward our responsibility well. The best way we know how to do this is to invite our children into a safe, warm, deepening, maturing, and loving relationship with us.
I’m not saying we get this right all the time, but one way we love building relationships is a daily occurrence that gives us multiple chances each week: meal times!
Our most memorable and enjoyable family chats result from well-placed questions, but this isn’t limited to families. Singles, couples, families, or groups of friends can all apply this concept. You can invite anyone to your table and can apply this during any meal of the day!
The purpose is relationship building. When we know each other better, we tend to like each other more!
As an added bonus for parents, this helps you lead with vulnerability and model conversation skills (listening well, asking follow-up questions, not interrupting, activating curiosity and interest in others, growing in selflessness . . . it’s so good!!!)
So here’s my idea: at least one time per week, come to the table prepared with at least one conversation-promoting, open-ended question.
It may sound simplistic, but applying the most simple idea often has the greatest potential for maximum impact.
If you are stuck on how to do it, here are a few suggestions to get you started:
* Write questions on a plate ahead of time (use a marker that erases in the dishwasher).
* Invite each person at the table to write a question and place it in a bowl at the center of the table. Each person then takes a turn selecting and answering a question throughout the meal.
* Write a list of questions on a chalkboard or marker board and let each person choose which one they prefer to answer.
* Hide eggs or containers around the house with a question written inside and ask your kids to run around and find them while you finish dinner. Then they can prepare their answer for their turn at the table.
The possibilities are endless!!!
I would love to hear your most creative ways to present questions at the table. The more out-of-the-norm your approach, the more memorable the experience will be for all involved.
Preparedness communicates love.
Preparing thoughtful questions is a practical way to demonstrate our love for those invited to join us at the table.
This small act points to a deeper, spiritual truth as stated in John 14:3:
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (NKJV)
Jesus prepares such good things for us and invites us to delight in relationship with Him as we receive His love. In the same way, our small acts of preparedness can reflect the heart of Christ.
If you need fresh inspiration for simple meals to serve your family or friends, you can read Feeding Your Family Part 1 and Part 2. And if you prefer to listen to ideas rather than read them, you can enjoy these podcast episodes on this topic:
The Supernatural Power Present While Gathering at the Table with Devi Titus
Practical Life Tips with Blogger, Rach Kincaid
Here’s my invitation to you: during which of your 21 meals would you like to apply this to this week?
I can’t wait to hear your experience!
I would love to share 10 questions to get you started. I hope these are a catalyst to discovery and enjoyment of the people you dine with this week! Join our free email list and we’ll send them straight to your inbox!
Love you,
Laura