REST for Families

My earliest memory of family meals on television were cartoons, specifically the Flintstones with Fred and Wilma. They were partially based on the sitcom, “The Honeymooners.” Alice Kramden had her kindred spirit in Wilma Flintstone as homemaker and mother. These women strived to pull their families together, and their husbands were the breadwinners. In both shows, the dad figure was often viewed as a buffoon rather than a source of blessing or wisdom. We watched them for comic relief, but they became role models in our limited pre-Netflix world.

Fast forward to the 21^st century. No more sitting on the ground enjoying an enormous, meaty, drumstick around a campfire. We now have supplements, protein smoothies and sit around a large screen television in the living room. Why? It is about speed rather than life instruction or bonding. It is a part of our day, but not a core part of our communication. People were not concerned with family connectedness in the Flintstone family because the goal was to survive, get to the next battle, or in our generation, the next crisis. The show was scripted to observe the dysfunctional family and laugh. Even today, we are entertained.

Do we still eat to survive? Do we eat quickly, before a Saber tooth tiger attacks? The Honeymooners ate, poked at one another while we peeked into their dining room, watching to see if we were similar, better, or worse. Television programming now seems to have replaced family sitcoms with Bachelor, Cooking and Crime shows. We watch them over microwave or DoorDash delivered meals. The “core” of the family meal is missing. What is the core?

Go back with me to the Second family. Adam and Eve. Constant picnics, sunny, balmy weather and their pick of fresh fruits and vegetables. They were a Vegan couple who brought their groceries home with no fear of predators. Home was defined as “space with God,” in His very presence. I would venture to say, their “absence” of morals regarding food affected them, and us for a lifetime. Where Eve shopped mattered. What Eve offered mattered. The first “homemaker” did not put God first in the planning or in the eating of her meal. Gods’ opinion was ignored. He was not honored. That is significant.

In my research of rest and how that impacts families, I studied scripture, but I also heard many opinions regarding the importance of “farm to table.” We instruct our children that where we get food is important and to value those who bring the food to us from the soil, to the farmer, to the grocery store, etc. This is a good place to start, to acknowledge — Who is The Provider? Does listening to Him or being conscientious about our choices matter?

Before you think I am going all politically correct on you, I am just asking some foundational questions. Questions that are as old as time. Who feeds us? Who grants the rain, the sun, to grow vegetation? Do we appreciate the process? Is Thankfulness important once a year on Thanksgiving or is it meant to be every day, in every bite?

Asking where we turn when we are hungry, or if we eat one apple for ourselves without serving others are valid questions. These basic issues are also for us to consider today. Generosity and making good choices are surely part of a heart that knows that God is higher, greater than what I put in my mouth, than what satisfies my soul.

If we wonder how these issues are important, we can turn to the Bible. Whether it is fruit or a meal of meaty stew and fresh baked bread, Gods pattern would be a better role model than anything Roku can offer. The value of a good smelling meal, the sharing of that meal are excellent teachers and God as Father (not just guest) would be an amazing discovery.

What happens at your Dining room table? Have you given it any serious thought? Is it merely a place to model Alice Kramden or mock Ralph Kramden? Is it a place where people fuel up, to face outside dangers? Is it a place where relationships are forged, and healing takes place? Does hunger come before our love for God or others? The original “don’t touch this” came from God. Eve decided on choosing her own recipe, in her own time, initially alone and against Gods plan for her life. Simple instructions can really impact our lives and relationship with God and others. So basic, so important.

Did you know that manners and meal preparation started with God? Gods desire was to protect and bless them. Eating in God’s presence was prevention and celebration. It delighted the very heart of God. We have secularized this by focusing on cultural norms.

“Today’s etiquette began in the French royal courts in the 1600s and 1700s. Etiquette used to mean “keep off the grass.” When Louis XIV’s gardener at Versailles discovered that the aristocrats were trampling through his garden, he put up signs, or “etiquets,” to warn them off, but the dukes and duchesses walked right past the signs.[1]

Are rules the only training tool for socialization? Why do we have family tables? This piece of furniture is the central part of one’s home. Why do we meet there? What impact does it have on our lives or the lives of our families? Maybe it is time to replace other “role models” for meal time with Gods original plan for this sacred event called the Family Meal.  

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[1] www.noozhawk.com › john_daly_etiquette_origins_20140812, accessed November 12, 2024

*If you would like a copy of this article in Spanish or in Creole, please contact me. If you would like to reprint this article or use for other publications, please contact the author for  written permission. Thank you.   

 

–Word count : 935, two pages and one graphic.