God is great, God is good, let us thank him for our food.”   

Meal times are important.  It doesn’t matter if it’s pizza or a carefully crafted meal, or whether we are seated at neatly set table or crowded on a blanket outside for a picnic, the simple act of sharing a meal with friends or family is a blessing. We often have candles on our table – my mother taught me that even hot dogs taste better by candlelight – and that gives any meal a festive feeling.

It takes some time and intention to actually prepare a place to eat. By the end of the day our table is usually well hidden – buried in a landscape of newspapers, bills, homework assignments, and sometimes even a cat that has made itself comfortable. The act of setting the table conveys the message that it is time to pause, even briefly, and enjoy one another’s company.

We say grace before supper. When the children were little, each one would take a turn on an assigned night. On Sundays we sing the Doxology (“Praise God from whom all blessings flow…”) together. Mealtime is an invitation to talk, listen, and be nourished in body and spirit.

I give thanks for breaking bread together.

What are you thankful for today?