I got in the habit of setting our dining-room table so it was ready whenever company stops past. Whenever we eat at the table, we wash the dishes, and instead of storing them in a kitchen cupboard, we simply place them on the table. If David an I are eating alone, we sit at the far end, where I can look out on the yard and where drivers in passing cars can look through our un-curtained window and see the two of us (or the six to eight of us) sharing a meal together, breaking bread.
“Don’t your dishes get dusty sitting there?” someone asked me recently. I suppose I should consider the dust factor. “Not real dusty,” I answered my friend. We do turn the plates over frequently with guests coming and going. And if they get a little glazed on top, I take a damp rag to them and that takes care of the problem—much simpler than putting dishes into the cupboard, taking them out again and setting a table.
The table gets changed whenever we head into a new season. And just so I don’t have to construct a centerpiece cold as well as find the appropriate clothes, napkins and place settings, I have started to take photo shots with my new cell phone. (I don’t know how to access the Internet, but I know how to text my grandchildren and use my camera.)
This is important to me because I think the set table always says, “We are waiting for you. You are welcome here in our home at any time. You can never come and surprise us. All is at the readiness. Sit and commune and dine with us.”
Actually, these are the same invitations God repeats into the world, over and over and over again. I’m just doing what He does—setting the table—and saying what He says—come on in; be with Us.”
I spy God!
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