I’m trying to give more thought to our table.
I put an actual tablecloth on it. I haven’t done that since we’ve had kids and quite honestly, I’m not sure I did it before then.
Pink petaled tulips sit in the middle of the table. Their slender stems bend slightly to catch the last bit of sun. I’ve pre-filled the MATCHING cups with water. The plates, however, are mismatched and the napkins are paper but hey, there’s napkins! And I’ve set the forks on them just like my mom taught me.
I’m not looking for Martha’s approval here. The point in setting the table is not for me to capture the perfect Instagram shot to garner as many “likes” as possible. I’m setting the table to mark this time. To remind myself and my family that when we gather around the table, together, over an elaborate meal or a simple one, it’s sacred. I want my kids to see me honoring this time so hopefully, they’ll feel the same way someday.
Sure, I can tell them how much I love sitting at the table with them. But sometimes words can only go so far. Sometimes creased napkins tucked under the plate just so and ruffly tulips leaning over our dinner or an expensive cloth draped over our dinged up table says more about the importance of our time around the table then my words ever can.
