The Cross and the Dining Room Table
Moments of magic , sounds of laughter and memories etched in hearts are what
lifetimes are built on. All these words seem like out of a fantasy book written
by some single adult that knows nothing of parenting and yet this is what our
homes are missing , no more magic moments or sounds of laughing . When our home
life is fulfilled then we live in divine joy , joy that sustains the day , makes
the morrow easier and eases away yesterday .
So many things happen at the dining room table in my home. Mail, projects,
homework, tea, cake, reading the paper, home cell, supper and even discipline.
Above every one of these, pure conversation and light heartedness allows us to
put away the events of the day and come together as a family. It didn’t
matter what took place during the day but we are all together getting each
other’s attention. The simplest of meal opens the doorway to each world.
My dining room table is a place of common ground where all is equal, everyone
has their say and we are seated eye to eye. A glimpse from any direction mirrors
a reflection of family.
Each and every one of us need a common point in our home where we put our
differences aside, leave our defenses on the floor and sit as a family.
In the still of the night, I realized that, that is my dining room table.
Maybe in your home, it is your lounge, patio, recreation room or prayer room.
Wherever it is, insist on having a point where time stands still around you, the
world shuts out and only family is the focus. For too long, we leave the
television to talk to our kids or the CDplayer to minister to their hearts.
Old fashioned conversation keeps parents up-to-date on key information in the
childrens’ lives.
Just like the cross, a common point for all of God’s children to come and find
direction, a point where uncertainty meets destiny, a point where meaningless
becomes meaningful, a point where unsaved meets saved and where unrighteousness
meets righteousness. God prepared this place of deliverance for all to
receive, a saving grace freely available and a sanctified way of life. No
questions asked but an avenue of hope provided. The cross is foolish to the
unbeliever yet power to the believer .
I just believe if family was so important to our heavenly Father who sacrificed
his one and only son then how much more must those we call our own mean to us
that we can take the time and consideration to intertwine thoughts, ideas, plans
and patterns. There is the power of the Holy Spirit available in every
believer’s life which brings forth reconciliation to those estranged children or
forgotten spouses. Can we call it love if it is not passed on or even happiness,
if not shared. When you find that one serene point of understanding in
your home and see the cross of Christ revealed in it then you would know that it
is the ultimate, regenerating power of God knitting each one together.
Understanding is key to a family and rejection is the destruction of a home.
Answer your kids questions or they will find answers elsewhere.
Family was God’s expression of love and unity. Let us always dress our
heart with pure delight for our kids and our conversation with reverence and
holiness. Our lips seasoned with love and our hands extended with hope.
The world may not provide hope for our kids but our home should. Our home
should be the safest and warmest place on earth furnished with the goodness and
glory of God.
Find your common point and let it always be battle free territory. Beneath
a lot of rock lies a precious gem. Take the time to break away the dirt
for the gem to shine forth. Parents, love your children for who they are
and what they are worth to the Lord. Children are watching you even when
you weren’t looking so be an example. Parents, say you are sorry, it takes
a big person to say they were wrong and a bigger person to ask for forgiveness.
Yes even from your kids.
Love has many expressions , facial appearances and tones, be sure your children
understand your love at all times. On a lighter side if God had problems with
Adam and Eve, why did we think we would have it any easier.
Take up the cross and help your children follow.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but
to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1st Corinthians 1:18
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but raise them up in the
discipline and instruction of the Lord . Ephesians 6 vs 4
Hazel Moodley