Family Dinners. . . It's Not Just about the Food

What is it about coming together and sharing food that creates such connections? One of the things I've missed most about being so far away from family is the family get-togethers: dinners, birthday parties, ordinations, holidays, etc. Seems like almost any occasion could be an opportunity to get together, and we usually did. (The family in Utah still does.)

Mark and I were invited to Tyler and Shannon Showalter's home for dinner yesterday. Tyler's siblings, their families, and his parents were invited, along with several other friends and there were a lot of people in the house.

As various families arrived, food was placed out on the counters or in the oven to stay warm. Once everyone was gathered, a blessing was offered and the kids, assisted by parents as needed, hit the line first - filling their plates with macaroni and cheese, rolls, and mashed potatoes (leaving green beans, salad, roast turkey, and gravy for the adults). It was organized chaos, combined with delicious food, and it felt like home.

Our dinners were never formal affairs - just people who love each other getting together to visit, catch up, eat, and enjoy each others' company. The kids usually are done eating and gone to play games or dressups before the adults get through the line. If you were to ask me a topic that was discussed at the last family party, I wouldn't have a clue. But if you asked me how I felt to be at the party, I'd say it felt like a hug.

Maybe we have food at parties because, in a way, it's an offering of love and sacrifice for the people in our lives. It's a way of using all of our senses to remember the occasion. And it's fun. The best part, however, is being with the people we love and spending time with them.

Thanks, family, for all the wonderful times we've had (and will continue to have). You are the BEST!