Dinner bells are sweet reminders of simple living. They bring people to the table where food and conversation are joyfully blended. It is unusual to find a family that sits together for meals today, especially as children grow older and outside activities and jobs call for eating on the run. We shut the window of opportunity too often according to our schedules and do not take advantage of the fresh air available on the other side. Dining around the table is almost a lost art, but what a treasure that small amount of time can be! Much is missed by keeping ourselves to ourselves, noses down as if looking at our bellybuttons, as we eat alone with heads bent.Breaking bread with community benefits everyone involved. It isn't popular in society to serve others. Establishing a place for yourself and developing your individuality are the trend, but this process places "me" first. What if we forgot about self for a little while and focused on the people right around us - up close and personal? How long has it been since a neighbor darkened your doorstep....invited? (Believe me, I am talking to the mirror!) It is easy for Christians to gather with those who are like-minded, but that is not what Jesus did at every meal. He ate with everyone. He shared with everyone. He spoke truth to everyone. How can we do any less if He is our example? Who is the Lord pointing in your direction?
Make the "welcome" sign on your front door mean what it says. God is looking for His people to keep looking for His people, the ones not yet believers.
Romans 10:14-15 But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"
Feet become beautiful, friendships are made sweeter, hearts become closer, difficulties are discussed, problems solved, and Jesus is exalted in front of bowls of soup or yummy desserts. Some of the best things happen over a plate of spaghetti. Yes, they do.
I have been challenged to open the doors to both my home and my refrigerator and so I am challenging you as well to invite a family or a few friends over for dinner. It doesn't have to be fancy. Open a jar of tomato basil soup and make a salad. It isn't the food that is needed as much as human contact. Be the difference someone needs. Make them feel special and their company desired. You will be changed by your own actions and surprised by the results.
Ring that dinner bell and see who shows up. It just might be me.
Acts 2:46-47 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.
Hebrews 13:1-2 Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
