Memories flood in as I wash the old kitchen table. This mindless chore, repeated over and over each day. Wiping away the residue of daily living, its surface made shiny and clean--ready for the next set of table memories to occur. Oh, the stories this table could tell. Truly this piece of furniture is the heart of our home. Meals consumed, bursts of creative energy actualized, tears shed, moments of joy and sorrow melding together again and again in this one single place. Alter of family comings and goings, the days pass as this sturdy surface lends itself to us time and time again.
Just married in our first apartment
It's a small table. The five of us crowd around it, forced to connection by the limitations of its size. This table has born witness to many seasons: Giddy newlywed couple, unsure of what the future would bring, navigating the unknown together side by side. First pregnancy; belly swollen with new life that would change our roles forever. New house; symbol of family permanence. Job disappointments and triumphs. Rejoicing for lives beginning and mourning lives ended. New Years celebrations, Christmas breakfasts and Easter baskets brimming over. Tears, joy, hopes, frustrations...and everything in between.
We cook and create on its wooden surface, sturdy yet marked by the activities of our lives. It's usually cluttered-- toys littered about, activities left unfinished; evidence of the multitude of purposes it serves.
The chairs have come and gone, but still the table remains. We sand its surface, scrubbing and staining to make new again. Restoring to its purpose of giving once more.
This table, heart of our home.
Where is the "heart" of your home--the place where you regularly gather and make memories?
Where is the "heart" of your home--the place where you regularly gather and make memories?
Linked at: Thought-provoking Thursdays
HI Erin,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. It is so funny, I was just talking with my Aunt yesterday, who stopped in during school time about the kitchen table. I have been trying to set up a school room in our house for a couple of months now and have been less than successful. I even bought the kids each a desk so they can have their own space. They never use them, they only like to work at the kitchen table. As I was reading your post, I was thinking about how we spend the bulk of our day at this table. Funny how this area becomes the gathering place for friends and family. Thank you for sharing your thoughts today, it has put a smile on my face.
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