EVOLUTION OF THE SEATING CHART

Life begins with us cradled in our mother's arms as we eat--unable to hold ourselves up--not even our heads---our mother lovingly holds us as we eat.  



Within a short time, we are able to sit up.  Our meals are then served in a high chair.  Still protected and kept from harm by the tray which holds us in.  We begin the process of learning to eat in community.



 My memories of holiday dinners and family celebrations include "The Kids' Table".  Everyone under a certain age was relegated to eating at the kids' table.  Only adults--or the big kids were allowed at the hallowed "Adult Table."  Where they eating the same food we were?  What was being said at their table?  OH to be included in the table of greatest importance---to be thought of as an adult!



The day FINALLY arrives and we are granted permission to eat at the esteemed "Adult Table".  Giddy with anticipation, we quickly take our assigned place in the middle of a long row of adults lining the side of the table.



We quickly discover the food is the same---but there is a difference.  The company and conversation are boring!  OH--to be back at the kids' table again.  BUT TOO LATE--once you have crossed the line into the world of adult dining--you are stuck!

Perhaps it would be better if I were at the head of the table!  The head of the table seems to carry the most importance.  Yes--I would be happy and content with being seated at the head.  Everyone then would look to me and I would be most important.

Fast forward---and YES--I am sitting at the end of the table--the opposite end from the head of the family.  This puts me nearest the kitchen---and I can jump up and down during the meal to refill platters, get more tea, clean off the dirty dishes, and serve the dessert.  I am NOT sure this is what I had in mind.

The day finally came--and I am now at the head of the table--with no one sitting opposite.  I find it lonely being at the head of the table.  Conversation whirls around and across the table--but the head is actually stuck on the end.  OH TO BE BACK AT THE KIDS' TABLE!

The evolution of the seating chart is a great example of life.  We are always striving for the next position and after obtaining the next step up the ladder-find ourselves discontent and wishing for another change.  Perhaps the best place to sit would be the guest of honor who is at the right hand of the head of the table.  The honored guest is served first, and everyone at the table makes conversation with them.  Nothing is required of the honored guest except to accept the invitation and partake of the meal--with no expectation of cooking or serving or doing the dishes.  The guest of honor sits and enjoys the finest seat at the table.

I am thankful for the table I am invited to sit at eternally as a guest of honor.  All has been done---I only need to accept the invitation and take my seat.  The Head of the Table has done it all--and I am left to enjoy the fruits of his labor.  



46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
Acts 2:46

6 comments

  1. Cool post, Lulu! I've got lots of memories of sitting at both tables ... from being a little tot to the ol' family matriarch. When all is said and done, the kids table is looking mighty fine! No responsibilities! No wondering if there's enough turkey or wonder why the food isn't cooking as quickly as it's supposed to and how many chairs can we possibly squeeze around the table and and and.

    Yep, let's hear it for the kids' table! And thanks for bringing back the memories!

    Hugs to ya'!

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    1. Amen, Sister! Lot to be said for the kids table! The thing is I sm on the road to not being in charge - training up the next generation for that task- then I will once again be sitting to the side- but enjoying the company & relishing the conversation as it swirls around me!

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  2. I rather sit at the kids table...smiles...thank you for such a lovely post and for the smiles. Enjoy your visit with your family sweet friend. Blessings

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    1. I had rather sit with the kids too! They are such truth tellers! Back from my trip / was keeping the baby while my daughter was in a wedding- she can't be far from the food source/LOL!!
      Blessings, Sweet Friend!

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  3. Quite a wonderful and touching post full of truths and declarations about our plight as earth dwellers, temporarily, headed to the "guest of honor" seat at the right hand of our Lord. Bless you for the inspiration of this post. I did and do still long for the "kids table" and occasionally get to visit there for a while, every so briefly, but never again as a kid.

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    1. "Never again as a kid,"--such truth. They will let us sit with them--but we are an outsider and not in the club anymore!

      Thank you for your kind words!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!