I remember visiting my grandmother, my dad’s mom. At meal time, it was always a challenge to
find a place at her table. My
grandmother was loved by all who knew her and a spectacular cook. Her house was filled with those waiting to
eat her wonderful cooking and those who just wanted to be near her. At mealtime,
there were people in the living room, standing in the kitchen, anywhere you
could rest and eat. To get a seat at the main table, you had to be there early
or given special seating by my grandmother.
It was an honor when she sat down at your table. She was so wonderful,
she would make her rounds to all the tables where people were eating and engage
with them. It wasn’t beneath her to sit
and eat with the children.
I used to marvel that
none of the meals matched. She always
had something on the table that was a favorite of each guest. That takes love,
care, and a great memory to accomplish every time. She was a mother of 5 sets
of twins and a single child, by the way.
She knew how to make everything stretch while raising her family. She didn’t waste or throw away any food.
Dessert was always a hit.
My grandmother made the best cakes. They looked to be three layers high,
all from scratch. She had a variety of
cakes for those who stopped by made the favorites of her children and
grandchildren. My dad got the coconut
and pound where as I got the caramel and German chocolate cakes. Since she passed away, I haven’t really felt
comfortable at anyone else’s table, including my own. I miss her smile and laughter. The warmth of her hug and kiss will never
fade from my mind or heart. There has been a void in my life that no one or no
one thing can fill, only pacify. The
meals at her tables were prepared with love that nourished my body and soul. She always made everyone feel so special.
My grandmother went to great length and preparation, like
Christ did for the Last Supper, to ensure every detail was met and person
considered in providing a life-giving meal.
Whatever she prepared, you could feel a part of her love for you in that
meal.
The sacrifices that she and my grandfather made, like the
sacrifices Jesus made for all, made a way for my father and his siblings and future
generations. At that table, I learned
about myself, life and a life binding love of my family. I learned I was unique and had an
irreplaceable place in the world and at that table.
The time Jesus spent with each disciple prepared them for
their destiny. Time that my grandmother
spent with me prepared me for my destiny as well. At her table I felt loved and special. In her presence, I felt safe and strong as if
I could do anything because she was my constant supporter. Now that she’s gone, I totally depend on Jesus’
love and encouragement. It makes me feel
special and remember that I am the apple of his eye. When I sit around His table, I enjoy the
benefits of salvation. In His arms, I
feel protected. When I sit around the table of Christ, I have access to the
life cleansing blood that forever shows God’s love for me. If I
hunger and thirst, the Word tells me that Jesus is the bead of life and if I
seek Him, I will never hunger or thirst.
Even though I lost my grandmother and all the love she gave,
I have enough stored in my heart to carry me through. In return for what was poured into me at the
table, I want to pour into my child and others who come around my table.
I can be assured, I will never lose Jesus, my forever
cheerleader. I will always have a place
at the table that Christ prepared.
