You know who I am.  You pass by me every day and every night.  Month after month.  Year after year.  You move all around your spacious house, but I stand right where I am. I stand my ground.

 

I am the table. I stand where you and your family should sit down and eat.  This will make you talk to each other.  I have four strong legs and a very clean surface.  Beside me, there are four dependable chairs.  As busy as you are, I am unable to get up and go.  I am stationary.

 

On the other hand, it seems that all you and your family ever do is get and go.  What about me?  I know you and your wife are quite busy, along with each and every one of your darling children, but when are you going to come to the table and eat?  When are you all going to sit at the table and have a decent conversation or two?  What about enjoying your common bonds and brand new experiences as the days go by?

 

As I stand where I am, along with my four friends, "the chairs", I am somewhat sad that all you guys seem to do is come home at night and throw some mail, or a purse, or a briefcase, on me and off you go into the kitchen.  Then, you all emerge and pass by me on your way to where else, but the couch and television.  I'm ignored. I'm neglected.  I'm completely taken for granted.  It's like I don't exist in your not so brave world of quick microwave meals, as you all stare dreamily into the television.  Oh yes, the television is always on, while I have been subsequently turned off.

 

But you know what?  Do you want to hear what's really interesting?  Last week, I learned that a family that sits down at the table to eat at least several times a week winds up better off in the long run.  I think I learned this somewhere. That's right.  I learned it from the television commercial that goes on and on about parents being the anti-drug.  I'm not going to argue with it. It makes sense.

 

Perhaps, as the table in your home, I should not be so cynical.  After all, in a few weeks I will be showed off and made real neat.  Why?  Well, Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming!  Oh yes, all the months of being neglected and never utilized will be washed away.  It will look like I am a true part of the family when there's Thanksgiving and Christmas cheer.  At any other time, I seem to be just a wooden obstruction on your way to the television with hands full of snacks.

 

Again, I am the table.  I exist in your home to be respected and utilized.  I am worthless without respect and utilization.  I like to hear you and your family say things like, "Let's go sit at the table."  Or, "Honey, bring dinner to the table."  Or, "Let's talk about this at the table."  I am at your service, so to speak, yet I cannot hear what you won't say sitting on the coach drifting off into la la land.

 

Sure, I know you and your spouse, and all the kids, are super busy.  There's not always time to sit down at the table each and every day.  True enough.  However, think of how healthy and good it would be for the family to sit down at the table at least four days a week.  Every meal does not have to be dinner either.  Sometimes the best things in life turn out to be things you make a priority.  Make it not so much a rigid mandate, but something to look forward to.  Time at the table.    

 

Think clearly about it.  How can you have a meaningful conversation with your loved ones when all that one can hear is the television?  I mean, it's ok to have some favorite shows, but don't diss me at every opportunity.  Your family needs the love that regular attention and caring can bring from every member of the family.  As the table, I've heard heard a lot of things over the years, and I wish I could hear even more.  I am here for you.  I exist as a safe place for you and your family to sit down and talk and enjoy a great meal together.  It's great because you're at the table.

 

Feel free to say a formal prayer.  Or perhaps a thoughtful word or two.  It's your call.  Your choice. I cannot repeat it enough, please respect me and utilize me.  I am the table in your home.  I'm not just a decoration or something that stands without any meaning.  I am the table in your home that has always kept things together.  I'm the perfect meeting place, and a wonderful spot to sort things out.

 

So, tonight, don't pass me by on your way to the microwave and television.  Make a definite date with me for a change.  I am the the table.  My color doesn't matter.  My size doesn't matter.  All that matters is that I exist to keep everyone connected.

 

Please, pull up a chair.