Tip of the Day 4/18/12

Atmosphere and cleanliness are a couple of the things that attracts us to a restaurant. These are the same things that make the dining experience in our own home more enjoyable. I believe in cleaning up as I cook because I do not want to sit down to eat surrounded by dirty pots and pans. Setting the table is actually important to the enjoyment of the meal. This does not mean flowers and candles every night, but a set table draws the family to linger longer as the meal is served and enjoyed. It helps everyone to relax and really enjoy the time together and taste the food. How many times have you sat down to a meal and everyone is finished in 10 minutes and you think, "wow, it took an hour to prepare and it's all over." This is one area most European countries do right, they linger at the table. When the kids were still at home dinner was served at the table from serving dishes and we all cleared and washed up together. Yes, some nights it was well over an hour together and it was wonderful. Now that it is just Richard and I at home our meals are still sometimes an hour long. I serve the food in the kitchen to limit our portions, but I still set the table and use serving pieces for accompaniments, etc. An example is last Saturday morning I made biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and O'Brien potatoes. I put the eggs and potatoes on our plates and then the biscuits on a platter covered with a pretty cloth to keep them warm, the gravy in a gravy boat, jelly and butter in pretty little bowls, our juice in pretty stemware, and cloth napkins. We sat at the table for over an hour reading the paper, looking at the birds in the yard, and sipping tea and coffee after we finished eating. Did it take a little longer to clear the table and wash the dishes? Yes, about 5 minutes. Was it worth it? Every minute. We all have dishes, serving pieces, etc. that we think are just taking up space, but should be put to use on a regular basis. Pull out those cute salt and pepper shakers you got from your grandma and put them on the dinner table. They could spark some good conversation with the kids about your family history. Use items to serve the meal that relate to the food you are serving. We have traveled a lot and have things from many countries around the house. Since we eat a wide variety of food, I like to use dishes and items that compliment the food. If I am serving falafel I might put some stones from Israel on the table. It causes us to talk about our visit there. If we are having seafood I might use a bowl I picked up on a trip to the beach or decorate the table with a sarong and sea shells. A little piece like this can create an inviting atmosphere and cause you and the family to linger over the meal and enjoy each others company. Give it a try and enjoy the conversation as well as the food.

Word for Today, Rest: This seems to be an elusive concept in the lives of most people. Week days are so filled with work, school, and activity that even when we finally fall into bed at night we don't truly rest. Our minds don't shut down, so instead of just lying there we reach for our smart phone on the night stand next to the bed and play games or post on FB to other people who are also up in the middle of the night. This was never the plan for us. Last Sunday our message was about Jesus being asleep in the boat while the storm raged around them. I love the picture we are given that He was sound asleep with His head on a pillow. Haven't you jealously looked at a child who is sleeping in the stroller or carrier while the family is walking through Disney World and wished it was you. How does this type of rest happen? It is because of trust. Jesus knew the storm wouldn't harm them. He had told the disciples, "let's get in the boat and go to the other side." A baby trusts their parent so they can fall asleep without worry of harm. Jesus wants this same rest for us. He calls us to times of rest and our bodies were created to function best with a set number of hours of sleep each night. So take a real break, no electronics, and get some needed rest. It may take some practice and you may go through withdrawal, but it will be worth it. "This (Earth) is not your rest. This is what the Lord says, 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" We stand at a crossroads, which path will you take?