In certain situations, like stress, I find myself at the grocery store shopping, preparing to make a meal. Cooking has always been a source of love, healing, and togetherness for me. Even in a family dispute our family would stop for a time to gather and eat.
My mother often cooked a large meal at the end of a busy day. Once we were all seated we gave thanks to God for what He provided. Dinner was the time we were together listening to each other and learning about the other person’s day. Most of the time, we didn’t even realize that we were having so much fun talking and listening to each other…the time flew by!
In life, sometimes we forget how simple traditions in life can bring us joy, such as sitting down together at a meal. We are so caught up in the tasks of the day, and it is the task that can overtake so many of us.
Families will be gathering for conversations, preparing meals, enjoying the holidays, within the next few months. These are all times for togetherness, that bring kinship and celebration to the house.
As the winter months begin, let’s also be able to gather, share, and be together in peace.
Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” (New American Standard Bible)
I also like to remember St. Francis of Assisi’s prayer:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon,
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
O, Divine Master, grant that I not so much seek to be consoled,
As to console, to be understood, As to understand, to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving, that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are now pardoned,
And it is in dying, that we are born to eternal life.
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