It’s made alive by their heartbeats.

It’s heard many secrets and yet has never betrayed the vulnerable ones sharing their pain.

Loud laughter has echoed across the table - spreading onto the others.

Indelibly on its surface are the echos of sentimental love letters written there.

It has hosted family and friends for multitudes of feasts celebrating life and its milestones.

The table has been showered by tears - like emotional rain.

Countless cups of coffee have been shared.

It’s been burned by dripped candle wax and flooded by spilled water.

The faded shadows of waxy crayons add a little color as the giggles of children still echo

Underneath the tabletop, it has witnessed the wringing of many hands and even some swift kicks between lovers.

It’s heard the prayers of the people and felt the passion and the desperation of their words.

The table has held up our heads when we have wearily laid them on the cool wooden surface.

It’s been wiped down tens of thousands of times, always ready to welcome the next group of gatherers.

Conversations had,

Ideas born,

Relationships began,

 Relationships ended,

Promises made,

Solutions discussed,

Games played,

Prayers prayed,

Hope renewed,

Wine poured,

Encouragements spoken,

Businesses started,

Eulogy’s written,

Babies fed,

Toasts given,

 I encourage you to gather around the table, and it doesn’t matter what table.

You’ll be eye to eye with your people—no distractions between you except perhaps some food & drink.

Connect because relationships add flavor to our lives.

And don’t be too picky about who’s sitting across from you.

Expand your territory. Listen more than you speak.

There’s no room for judgment at the table.