Building Longer Tables
On a recent holiday in Samui we were invited to a Thai buffet on the beach. The invitation came from the lovely lady who served us breakfast every day.
We soon realised that this was no ordinary beach buffet. The free buffet stretched two and a half kilometres along Chaweng Beach as part of the Samui festival. A World Record.
We thought we would just have a quick look and then go out to dinner. To our surprise and delight we were caught up in the festivities and stayed and enjoyed amazing food. What struck me most, was the sense of community and fellowship. Thousands of people, locals and tourists, hotel staff and hotel guests, all connecting and communicating despite significant language barriers. We were sharing a table with thousands of people, welcomed into a community despite not knowing anyone.
Many of my childhood memories are centred around the dining table. Dinner times were times to connect as a family, times to share the highs and lows of the day, times to ask and discuss questions. The dining table was the place to play boardgames, do homework, to connect as a family and to end the day with a family Devotion.
As newlyweds, buying our first dinner table was symbolic of starting our journey as a new family. We were excited to invite family and friends to share a meal, to share our table, to share our journey, to connect.
Sharing a meal is more than eating food together. A shared meal represents friendship, community, hospitality, and grace. The dinner table is a place of connection, a place to gather and share. The Bible hosts a feast of references to sharing meals from Genesis to Revelations. Jesus’ dinner table was a place of equality and inclusion. He often shared meals with ordinary people, with his disciples. He fed crowds of people, he even dined with Pharisees. Jesus crossed significant social barriers by eating with people from all walks of life. He challenged the elite. He welcomed the poor, the sick, the sinners. Sharing meals played a vital role in the ministry and mission of Jesus.
Meals are a symbol of God’s abundant grace. God invites us to His Table, to share in His grace, to be in His presence.
With Christmas around the corner, many of us are already planning meals, menus, gifts, decorations and elves on shelves. Christmas is a time to share in God’s grace and to extend grace to others. To extend community and connection to others. To invite others to share our lives.
Christmas is fast approaching. Let’s make it a time to build longer tables and lower walls.
Corline Esterhuizen
Head of Middle School
