Meals are
messy. Legitimately messy. Recently I had dinner planned in my home with
friends, where children outnumbered the adults. As we made our way into the
dining room to a table lit with candles and dishes strategically set with
matching plate chargers, I heard a voice from the other room…
“Are you sure
you want the children eating spaghetti sauce on your carpet?”
And just like that, the candles were blown out and we made our way to “normal” and very un-fancy kitchen table, with remnants of chunky peanut butter from breakfast, crusted on the table. This is not how I imagined the meal going.
Messy.
Maybe you’ve
experienced it. The collateral damage left from opening your home to friends
and strangers alike. Cilantro smeared on the floor, Kool-Aid spilled on the
carpet, a grease stain on your favorite blouse. Can I get an Amen? And I
grumble about it. Shocking, I know.
But then I realized something…
All of this is
overshadowed by the community and nourishment which comes from being around a
table together. When you open your home, you are inviting people to come,
messiness and all. They bring the messiness of life, relationships, financial
struggles, and more. They are bringing it to you, friend. What an honor you
have to sit in the mess with others.
Jesus shared a
table with hundreds of people during His ministry: disciples, tax collectors
and more.
One messy
dinner occurred when Jesus set a table for Peter after the Resurrection. If you
recall, Jesus foretold that Peter would deny Jesus three times, (see Matthew
26: 31-35). Peter does in fact deny Him, (Luke 22: 60-62).
Jesus is about
to appear to Peter. But first, Jesus prepares a table for Peter, at the beach
no less, (that’s how I want to enjoy dinner with my Savoir!) Fish roasting on
the fire, fresh baked bread, burning coals to keep them warm. And Jesus speaks.
“Come and have
breakfast.”
This is the
first time Peter and Jesus have a conversation since Peter’s denial. How
fitting that they would sit together and share a meal as they resolve what
happened.
During this
meal, Jesus actually launches Peter into ministry during this meal. It’s pretty incredible. Read John 21:15-25.
Around 30 years
after this messy meal, Peter is now teaching us what he witnessed firsthand
from Jesus.
The early church met together and ate. And it’s messy.
It’s work, but it is never in vain. Paul commands us to sit together and wait
for one another. “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to
eat, wait for one another.” 1 Corinthians 11:33.
When you sit around the table with others, you
offer them (and yourself) a moment of rest. Don’t rush, honor one another by
waiting until everyone has gathered. The purpose of gathering around a table
together is not just for the physical satisfaction of a meal.
When you share your story of messiness, you set the tone for others to share their stories too. You can share how God works in your messiness and what sin and grace look like.
Suddenly, messy meals don’t look quite so messy.
It looks beautiful.
Sharing a meal together is more than the
perfectly baked cake, a clean home and fancy dishes or centerpieces.
It is providing a space for the Spirit of God to
move in people. Every table setting, cooked meal and washed dish helps others
feel loved and welcome, and God’s Spirit begins to move.
Have you
ever used excuses to justify not entertaining others in your home? If so, write
them down.
When is the
last time you opened your home to others?
What two or
three things can you do this week, initiate sharing a meal with others?