You know, Meal Time with some good eats is a wonderful thing. It used to be that every family had a time of day that they met at The Gathering Place (the kitchen/dining room table). Ahhhh…. Our sacred, all but abandoned Meal Time … I am not talking about ‘just grabbing a bite’.
In all of my travels there is a common thread that binds them together – and that is the Fellowship of Food – food for the soul and the tummy. They really do go hand in hand.
Food can just be food but, then you realize it’s how it’s put together, prepared and ultimately, served – you know, with kind of an excited reverence and awe. The smells, the craving for … mmmm …. Everyone sit down, the food is ready! It’s the same the world over – usually, the women prepare and the family and/or friends wait in expectancy!
People use mealtime as a gathering time – to nourish the body but invariably it is a time when the family and friends pause, and have a time to re-group, re-fortify, connect and encourage. It’s a lovely time, whether sitting on the floor, sharing a common plate, or as in our western culture sitting around a table with our own plates, partaking from the various dishes available. (I know, I know, lots of people gather in front of the TV – too bad for them!)
I have found Meal Time is a time that enriches us – solidifying who we are as individuals, family and people. We take stock of who we are, of what we value, what we want in and out life when we visit and commune with loved ones during a meal. We have an opportunity to engage in common interest chatter … we may laugh and cry all because it is a time to relax and engage ourselves in others. With the conversation that ensues at this gathering place it doesn’t take you long to realize, spiritual nourishment is just as important as nutrients for the body. This time together – we crave it, long for it and delight in it.
Food for the body? Yum! I love what I put in my tummy! There are marvelous, delicious good eats from all over the world. I enjoy them a lot! I will be sharing recipes of some of my favs!
Food for the soul? What you’ve put in your head makes for lively, delightful discussion. Good books, wonderful movies, times of service – I’ll be making recommendations. Ya gotta have it!
Nourishment … Have you Gathered today?
We’re sharing recipes and thoughts on Meal Time over at Your Ninth Hour
Y’all go visit, y’hear?
