Saturday, January 22, 2011

Dinner at Six

I don’t know about you, but in our house sometimes the dining room table can be used as a work space and catchall.  This has been the primary reason why we have not eaten together at the table as a family.  This week my wife was able to clear everything away and we were able to have dinner together at the table.  It’s been so long that if the table could speak it would ask, “Who are you people?

With light music playing in the background we all sat around the dining room table to take advantage of a rare opportunity, dinner together.  With all of our busy schedules we have not had the pleasure of sitting down as a family to eat together for such a long time.  Most of the time when we do eat together it is in the living room around the television looking at either a movie or a sporting event.  Don’t get me wrong any time together can be a good thing.  However, there is something really special about dinner time in the dining room.  Instead of everyone grabbing a plate, the table is set and food is served family style. 

Last evening it was especially enjoyable as we talked about music and the events of the day.  We were really able to connect with each other in a way that was authentic.  With a steaming plate of pasta and lightly toasted French bread in front of us, my daughter said this was a great start to a great weekend! 

With families being pulled apart by frantic schedules and kids hanging out with friends instead of family, we need to reaffirm our commitment to the tradition of eating together.  I have committed to our family that we eat together at least three (3) times a week and one meal on the weekend.

How many times a week do you eat together as a family and what do you see as the benefits?

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