Simple Joys: Your Kitchen Table

If the home is a body, the table is the heart, the beating center…”

Shauna Neiquist

The purpose of our tables are endless, a canvas for countess memories, a center for gatherings and where stories, gifts and meals are not only shared but made. It may be your kitchen table or island, on the porch or in the shop. The significance is not limited to yours, the importance and impact expands far beyond your home. It leaves an imprint whether home, by your parents, at the park, or visiting friends. 

While Thanksgiving brings extra attention to gathering around the table together, to sharing a meal and making memories, the value is year round, life long. 

It is date night while kiddos watch a movie, it is a space for slowing down and being together. It is a space to sit and create, challenge yourself and try new things. 

It is where birthday wishes are made, where new meals are enjoyed and forts are created. All of these things occur whether at home or across the country, whether inside, outside or at an event. The center, the heart beat, a constant staple; ready for family game night and present through homework challenges and successes. For sharing memories and stories after losing a loved one, for the laughs and tears of a girls night in and sitting quietly enjoying the view from the window. 

Tables, the stage for holiday traditions, projects created and problems solved. Covered in ice cream drips, glitter, play-dough and spaghetti splashes. Lasting through the dings, scratches and marks. A safe space to navigate the challenges of life; to share in the heartbreak and celebrations that come throughout. Playing a bigger impact than we have given credit. A gift we can overlook and that is truly that…a gift. One to appreciate and understand the significance, that is not available to all. 

Wrapping Up

If we take the time and give intention, to even the simples and most common items in our lives, it will bring more joy.

As I began to prepare this writing I had a thought, a nugget of an idea, on the significance of the table, a canvas of endless memories and moments. But once I started to search for photos, the true impact of gathering around a table hit. Take a moment today to open your photos and search ”table”, reflect on the memories that will appear. 

I didn’t share anywhere close to the amount of life’s events that occur gathered at the heart beat of home, of life. Enjoy the past memories and be present for the ones yet to come. 

I would love to hear the significance the table has played in your life. Maybe it was one of the memories and examples I shared or a new one.