What Do You Bring to the Table?

By Terri Fullerton

What are you going to bring?

 The holiday planners in my family (and maybe in yours?) raise this question so we can share the responsibilities that come with a celebratory meal, usually on a holiday. Each family brings their favorite dishes. I know from experience who will make desserts, who will make sure we have healthy choices, and who will prepare the main dish. When the day finally arrives, we come to the table hungry both for traditional foods and for connection.

What else do we bring?

There is a scene in C.S. Lewis’ final Narnia book, The Last Battle, wherein several characters have just entered paradise. There is a scrumptious meal prepared by Aslan. The author also describes a group of dwarves sitting in a circle, disgruntled with the darkness. They have brought their disbelief and doubt with them, so they can’t see the glory around them. They are blind to the feast that awaits.

This scene pops into my mind often when I sit down at the communal table. I wonder if we see past the food in front of us. What if we are missing the larger feast God has prepared?

I am convinced to the condition of our hearts when we sit down at the table impacts what we see. It reveals what we believe about ourselves, others, and God. It will keep us paralyzed in our seats or encourage us to get up and serve.

For years I brought wounds to the table, unaware what I was doing. My hurts prevented me from seeing the community in front of me. The lies I believed also clouded the truth about myself. The shame I carried kept me from real connection. Deep down, I thought I didn’t belong there—didn’t deserve to be there. The resulting lack of connection fed my isolation. It’s a vicious cycle that traps us if we aren’t mindful of our enemy’s desire to destroy God’s plans for the table.

Perhaps our stomachs tighten as we anticipate family drama and misunderstanding. Maybe we fear being missed. Maybe we are uncomfortable being seen. Sometimes we are focused on just getting through the meal so we can get to the next thing.

What if we asked God to help us let go of our wounds or preoccupations so that we can see the kingdom work he wants to do through us? God provides the people and opportunities, and he will equip us to carry out his work. He wants us to respond with a courageous spirit.

In Luke 24, the resurrected Jesus joins two men walking to Emmaus. But God kept them from recognizing him. Later, when they gather for a meal, Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks and breaks it. At that moment, they finally recognize him. I wonder if God timed it this way because he intends the table to be a place of revelation of who he is and his resurrection power.

Friends, don’t miss what God has for you at the table. We are called to receive and share God’s compassion. We are called to be in community with one another in Christ. At the table, we have the opportunity to speak words of hope on a hard day. We can encourage and comfort others. We can spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

I admit there are times I’ve filtered grace as if it is in limited supply. Sometimes gathering around the table mirrors what’s in our hearts: fear, insecurity, pride, or an unforgiving heart. When we sit in our chairs, do we do more than pass food and make light conversation? In addition to the nourishment awaiting us at the table, we have a calling to share God’s love. I don’t know about you, but I have struggled in this area. I offer grace, but it’s harder after I’ve been hurt. Sometimes I want to withhold it. I sigh and ask God to empty me of myself and fill me with his love for others.

Can we let go of our brokenness and come to the table with the dignity God gives us through Christ? Can we participate in kingdom work around the table? I wonder how different our meals would be if we stopped giving grace only to those who have met our standards or those who are safe.

In John 13, we see Christ as he shares his last meal with the disciples. At one point, he wraps his towel around his waist and pours water in a basin. He washes the feet of each disciple. This includes the one who eventually betrays him, the one who denies him, and the ones who scatter in fear and confusion. He doesn’t filter his grace at the table. He doesn’t withhold his servant heart based on past, present, or future mistakes. He pours out his love generously and faithfully to all. In this, he reveals the heart of his father.

We get the same opportunity to serve around the table. We don’t always get to choose our companions. We don’t always get along. But we are God’s emissaries, chosen to represent him. What will we bring to the table in his name?

Terri Fullerton is a wife, empty-nest mom, and mentor who loves stories of redemption and things that are funny. She is currently working on her first book. Terri longs to encourage others to find hope and freedom through her writing about faith, family, hiking, and mental health at Conversations at the Table.

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