The Family Dinner Table

One of our favorite family meals is turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole and rolls. However, it’s not a meal that we get to eat very often. My husband and I decided to change this a few weeks ago , when decided to have Thanksgiving in February. Everyone took part in preparing the meal. It’s very important to us that our children know how to cook, before they are out on their own. Our son  even made the pumpkin pie the day before our feast.

One of our favorite times of the day is when we can sit around the table, enjoying good food, and each others company. It can be taken for granted, and the easy way out can be taken by just eating wherever. Family meal time is something that has to be worked at and practiced daily. When your children are young start eating all your meals at the table, make it a habit.

So many things can be learned at the dinner table….

1. The art of conversation~practice good communication skills with your children. Make sure your topic stays on uplifting subjects. Always keep in mind the following verse…

Philippians 4:8-
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ”

Don’t let the fellowship at the dinner table turn into gossiping or complaining. Teach your children how to focus on the positives in life and not the negatives.

2. Leading by example~let your children see you and your husband treating each other with respect. This is a training ground for them. The way you and your spouse treat each other now, is how your children will treat their spouses when they are married.

1 Peter 5:3- “Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. ”    

Proverbs 22:6- “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

3. Family Devotions~ After the meal spend time in family devotions. If your husband is willing allow him to lead the family in reading God’s word and spending time in prayer. It’s so important to be united in Christ as a family. It teaches children at a young age how valuable a relationship with Christ really is. Let your children see you living  your walk with the Lord out load, so they will know it’s ok to do the same.

Hebrews 13:7- “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”

Before the meal, take time to create a positive environment and make the dinner extra special for your family. Candles that are lit, the lace table cloth that is carefully placed, fancy dishes, and a bouquet of flowers can set a loving atmosphere for meal time.Some of you may already know or practice these things.

Some of you may not. When we look at our time at the family dinner table as a privilege and a joy,  and treat it as such, it’s another way we can worship and be in communion with the Lord. Don’t let these special moments slip away, before you know it your children will be grown and these opportunities will not come again. 

Please take a moment to enter the Leaving A Legacy’s Easter Giveaway. We are giving away two Max Lucado books, to help prepare your heart for Easter. The winner will be announced Monday, March 12th.

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Many blessings to you this day!

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