October 2013

It had been two weeks since my husband passed away, and the days had been a blur of grief and sadness. But through it all, I felt the love and support of the community at First Baptist Windermere. My friends had been bringing meals to my family, filling my kitchen with the comforting smells of home-cooked food. It may seem like a small gesture, but it meant the world to me.  Each time someone knocked on my door with a casserole or a tray of lasagna, I felt a sense of connection and warmth that helped ease the pain of our loss.  As we sat down to eat, I watched the kids laugh and joke with each other, and I knew that these moments were the ones they would remember for years to come. For me, setting the table is about more than just feeding my family; it is about creating a sense of connection and love that will stay with them long after a meal is over.

Food is certainly more than just sustenance for our bodies. Beyond the nutrients and energy it provides, food has the power to bring people together and create shared experiences that nourish us in other ways. It's often a central part of our cultural and social lives, whether it's gathering around the dinner table with family or friends, celebrating special occasions with festive meals, or exploring different cuisines and flavors from around the world. Food can be a source of comfort, pleasure, and happiness, and it can evoke memories and emotions that are deeply personal and meaningful. So while we certainly need food to survive, it's clear that it plays a much bigger role in our lives than just keeping us alive.

Sitting at the table for a meal is an opportunity to nourish and refuel your soul as well. When people gather around the table to share food, they create a sense of connection that can be just as fulfilling as the meal itself. It's a time to catch up on each other's lives, to share stories and laughter, support each other, and enjoy each others company.  The act of sitting around a table and sharing a meal is both powerful and healing.

Whether it is a formal meal or a casual gathering, remember that it is at the table you can find connection and nourishment for both body and soul.