A Place of Signifigance

When I was a child, my parents told us one day that we were having some very special guests for dinner. My curiosity was high as I loved when we had guests into our home. I asked all kinds of questions in anticipation of our “special guests”. Do they know me? Have I met them before? Do you think they will want to hang out with me and my sisters?

The unknown was eating away at me, yet I felt such excitement.

We lived in a 2 story house with a wraparound porch on a corner lot in a small town in Nebraska. From my bedroom window upstairs I could see all 4 streets that led up to the corner of our home. I remember as dinner time approached sitting in my bedroom looking out the window with excitement waiting for a car to drive down our street and pull into our driveway. I remember feeling my heart racing and smiling as I looked out the window. Who were our special guests?

I knew they must be really important because my mom pulled out her fancy blue flowered china. The table was set – she even pulled out the cloth napkins, you know the ones with the wood napkin rings! She had placed her wood candle holders with pale blue taper candles in the center. The candles were lit, and the lights were dim. Music was softly playing in the background. I couldn’t wait!

As I stared out my window waiting for what felt like an eternity – time seem to stand still. I called down to my mom and asked how much longer before our guests arrive. “Not long,” she said. It was like waiting for Christmas morning.

Finally, my mom and dad came upstairs and said our guests have arrived. I was puzzled for a moment as I had not seen anyone pull into our driveway.

They begin to tell us that we were their “special guests”. The table had been set for us. Each of us had our own place with our name on it. They had been preparing a place for us to come, to be seen and celebrated for who we were. Initially, there was a slight bit of disappointment as I had wanted to see who else would be sitting at our table. Quickly that shifted though – I felt so seen, so valued, and so loved.

I experienced a sense of importance, that my Mom and Dad had gone to all this work for us. They had done all of this for me and my sisters. That night, they took time to encourage us and tell us how much they believed in us. We felt close to them and enjoyed being in their presence. I’ll never forget that night!

Looking back, I now see how often the table is a place we all long to be invited to. To be known, and be seen for who we really are – whether at home, school, our workplace, the summer BBQ, or that Sunday brunch with friends.

We have a saying in our home: “When you have what you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence”. It serves as a reminder to ensure that anyone at our table experiences provision, feasting, gathering, talking, laughing, intentionality, artistry, and creativity – all staged to make a memory that lasts a lifetime.

You don’t earn a seat at our table; it has been reserved just for you. Your name is on it and we’re waiting for you, with joy, anticipation, and excitement – to come sit with us.

This is a place of significance.

Now, I want you to imagine the most beautifully decorated table with the finest of china, set amidst elegant decor – the table is filled with the finest and most visually appealing foods. The aroma alone sends you into a place of childlike wonder – you can’t wait to taste what has been prepared for you. No expense has been spared, and every detail was planned with you in mind.

Can you see it? How does it make you feel?

Whether you are in a season of motherhood where it feels all-consuming, or where the kids are grown up and don’t need you every waking moment, I want to remind you that you are seen, you are loved, and you have a place of significance.

This a place of rest in the midst of tired days, long nights, and any chaos you might be feeling. Your heavenly Father has placed treasures in you, and for you – all waiting to be discovered and unlocked. When you sit at His table, you not only discover them, but you teach your children that there is a seat at the table for them as well. That they too, are loved by Heavenly Father, that there are treasures waiting for them.

This is also a place to invite others to the table to build friendship and support. It can start with a simple invite; a cup of coffee or a store-bought cookie (you don’t need to make it complicated). There are others like you, they’re in your world, and they need to know that they are not alone too. I want to encourage you to make a place for you to invite your girlfriends for tea, or to welcome another family in.

When you gather around it, be intentional to make space for everyone to feel welcome and valued.

For individuals who might be experiencing loneliness or isolation, an invitation to your table could be a lifeline of hope.

In Romans 12:13 Paul tells us to open our homes and share with those in need. A table is a place of significance in the Bible. It represents community, family, and God’s presence.

In the Bible, a table represents a place where God’s presence is waiting for you. You are the apple of His eye and He longs to lavish his love upon you.

In Exodus 37:10 (ERV) it says, “Then he made the table from acacia wood. The table was 2 cubits[a] long, 1 cubit[b] wide, and 1 1/2 cubits high. 11 He covered it with pure gold and put gold trim around it. 12 Then he made a frame 1 handbreadth[c] wide around the table. He put gold trim on the frame.13 Then he made four gold rings and put them at the four corners of the table, where the four legs were.14 He put the rings close to the frame. The rings were to hold the poles used to carry the table.15 Then he used acacia wood to make the poles for carrying the table. He covered the poles with pure gold. 16 Then he made everything that was used on the table. He made the plates, the spoons, the bowls, and the pitchers from pure gold. The bowls and pitchers are used for pouring the drink offerings.”

The word given here was the table of shewbread, the Hebrew origin of this is “lechem haPānīm” which means “the bread of Presence”. This name was given to show its function and importance.

Jesus often dined with His disciples, the ones He loved and called His family. Even when He knew He would be betrayed – He chose to spend it at the table with them for His last meal. It brought unity between them as they shared together.

Just as God has intentionally prepared a table for you, make it a priority to stay seated at His table too. Find moments of quiet and reflection, draw strength and purpose from His presence.

Psalm 23:5 (Amp) says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows.

We can give our best as mothers when we choose to continually stay seated at the table where His presence is. I have chosen to stay at His table, and I can tell you firsthand – you will be so glad you took your seat. It is life-giving, filled with purpose, and promise. The reward of sitting at the table is VERY worth it.