Sharing Together
Scripture Reading — Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road …
Deuteronomy 6:7
What would you include among the pleasant memories of your home life? Maybe you’re reminded of a special birthday celebration, or a holiday fun time, or good times with a neighborhood friend or even by yourself.
As you’re thinking about these things, I’m celebrating another birthday today. I’m thankful that my home memories are pleasant. Most of them include mealtimes. Eating together is bonding time. Diplomats know it, and dating couples know it. Regrettably, many families are forgetting or forgoing it.
In our home as I grew up, if you were the birthday child, you could choose the day’s menu. We knew we’d eat together. A great deal of teaching took place at the family table. Parents taught children, and brothers and sisters taught each other while Mom and Dad listened.
God’s teaching calls for vital learning to take place during the family’s everyday activities. Talking at the table, walking to the market, working, praying, and playing—these were all things families did together. Often the vital truths of life were more caught than taught. Healthy, strong relationships are fostered by enjoying those “together” times.
As we meet people from other families, we are called to show hospitality too, for we are all part of the human family. Does someone you know need an invitation?
Father, thank you for the encouragement to talk about the vital issues of life. Help us to love you and each other with all our heart, soul, and strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — George Vink
Pastor George Vink has served as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church for more than 30 years in British Columbia, Montana, Michigan, and California. He and his wife, Shirley, have four married sons and nine grandchildren.
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