table for 1
If you happen to know only one thing about me, it’s probably that I love food! I love to read about it, talk about it, shop for it, prepare it, share it with others, have it served to me, eat it, savor it. It’s truly one of my love languages! I’ve worked in restaurants and for catering companies, as a baker and a personal chef, and unless you count a semester of Home Ec when I was in the 7th grade, I’ve never taken a cooking class. Watching shows of some of my favorite chefs (Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Curtis Stone) notwithstanding, I’m definitely a self-taught home cook.
To me, there’s something sacred and beautiful that happens when I cook. Not that what I make is sacred or even that it will turn out looking beautiful; it’s more the calmness of it, the soothing repetition of slicing, the comfort of using the same bowls and utensils that I’ve been using for years, or making something from a recipe given to me by a friend (Cynthia’s blueberry muffins) or from a relative that’s no longer with me (Grandma Lavina’s Chicken Divan). It’s the colors and flavors and textures, the salty or sweet or umami, the creamy and crunchy and buttery…they all swirl around in my mind when I’m deciding what to make or how to measure (always with your heart!).
Last night, I cooked a dinner for my family (there are three of us in the house) that I’d planned a couple of days ahead of time. It wasn’t fancy but it was tasty and something we all enjoy. My husband had to work later than expected and our son ended up having dinner out with his brothers, so it ended up just being me. I didn’t mind because leftovers (always a bonus) and I got to eat while watching a few videos from some of my favorite YouTubers. But it got me thinking about something this morning which is that God has been inviting me to dine alone at His table recently. To sit at His feet, er, table, as it were, and just listen. The food is always amazing, and the conversation is…illuminating; He’s the consummate host! I’m immediately known when I walk in - no need to check in at the front desk. The table is beautifully laid and there’s always a riot of fragrant, fresh flowers in a lovely vase. The music is on point and a fuss is always made over me; chair pulled out, napkin laid over my lap. I could get used to this!
I know some people would never choose to dine out alone - “table for one?” - but I’ve never minded it. Go wherever you want, order whatever you want, read, people watch, order dessert. This past week, dining alone with the Lord has been beautiful and sacred, filled with laughter, tears, and compassion. He has freely shared old family recipes with me and occasionally makes recommendations that, in the past, I would have been too afraid to try but that, when tasted, have resulted in the most amazing satisfaction and I leave the table having been well-fed.
You should give it a try sometime. You never need a reservation to sit at God’s table; His restaurant is open 24/7 and while there might be other guests milling about, there will always be a place set that’s just for you.
