Gather at the Table

(Thanks to Robin Dance for sharing this post as part of the Bloom Book Club's study of Bread and Wine.)

Ours is a table on a patio in the heart of downtown Orlando, and it has been for almost five years now. Sometimes it’s spread with Cuban sandwiches, Coke, and plantain chips. Other times it’s covered with the remnants of take-out from a local eatery or simply littered with empty glasses following hours of lounging.

Sometimes, like on a Sunday afternoon, the table at our third place is quiet and peaceful with a soft breeze blowing against your skin. Other times the hustle and bustle of the work day gives way to loud music, the scent of cigars and the sights and sounds of partiers who have had one too many cocktails.

We moved to downtown Orlando with the hopes of planting a church. But, as it usually is with God-sized dreams, things didn’t go exactly as planned. God made it clear that we wouldn’t be planting a traditional church anytime soon, but we would be planting the Gospel. 

Over the years our table has at times been more akin to a confessional in an old Catholic church building. People have poured out their hearts, stories, and sins on that patio. We’ve heard the deep longings of a former soldier suffering from PTSD, the insecurities of a young male college student, and the tension when a wealthy business man who has everything suddenly realizes he may indeed have nothing at all

Other times the table has felt more like an altar. We’ve had heart-to-hearts about our marriage and other people’s marriages there. We’ve shared difficult disagreements and life altering decisions leaning against that table, with tears in our eyes.

 And sometimes, just as it should be, that table becomes the heart of a living room of sorts. We’ve shared celebrations of birthdays, new jobs and exciting life changes there. We’ve meandered there after chili and apple dumplings or a Thanksgiving spread shared with all those we’ve met at that table over the years.

So yes, invite people into your home. Have them gather around your dining table, coffee table or bar in the kitchen. But don’t forget that the table can be found anywhere. Perhaps it’s in the break room at your workplace with a simple menu of coffee and donuts. Maybe it’s the picnic table at your little ones’ play group over goldfish crackers and PB&J. Wherever you are, the table can usually be found close by. So come gather at the table.

And in gathering, find life.

Post by The Bloom Book Club.