a tuesday table…

I miss them this morning; thought about them throughout the morning… those “ancients” who will gather in a short while to do lunch without me. For six years we gathered as friends around a Tuesday table, usually at the local pizza place. It wasn’t so much about the food; instead, it was about the fellowship.

The gathering.

The coming together to hold hands, break bread, share laughter, and speak hope. It was about understanding, about setting aside personal preference in order to entertain the preferences of others. About loving beyond limits and allowing friendship to birth over salads and drinks and believing that, just perhaps, a table was meant for more than physical sustenance. That a table was meant for grace. God’s grace—another yet undeserved kindness from his heart because he better understands what happens when hearts connect across the table for kingdom consequence.

They served my heart well, those precious “ancients” (affectionately titled in the spirit of Hebrews 11). They didn’t know at the time all of the ways that their lives would impact mine; they simply did what they’d been doing most of their lives—

Living life as it comes; not being afraid to embrace new experiences, new people, new ideas, new routines. No, six years ago, I was their new. And they loved me; they love me still, and today as they gather around that table, I wonder if they notice my absence. I certainly notice theirs, and a tear or two falls in remembrance for the lavish gift of memory I now hold as my own.

Tuesday tables. The gathering of the saints. I don’t know where you’ll be spending yours today, but I’d certainly like for you to be a part of mine. And while we won’t sit in close proximity to one another, our hearts simmer together in this moment. And just for fun—just to feel less disconnected to my Tuesdays, I’d like a little conversation. I’d like to know what’s on your mind.

What you’re having for lunch.

What costumes your kids have chosen this year.

What Bible study you’re working on.

Where the good deals are hiding.

What books you’re reading.

What ailments riddle your heart and flesh.

Whose coming for dinner.

What’s on the menu for dinner.

What you’ll be watching on TV tonight.

When you’ve known grace in the last 24 hours.

What you’re praying about.

Generally speaking, any what, where, or when about your life.

Stuff like that. Whatever you’d like to tell me as we have lunch together this Tuesday… all day. It doesn’t matter if you miss the eleven o’clock hour. Tuesday lunches have no time constraints. They pour forth goodness all day long, seven days a week, sowing God’s grace along the way and as it arrives.

So join me. Tell me. Lavish me with nothing and with everything and make my table full. I know that at over at Lisa’s place, she’s serving up JiffyPop. And at Beth’s? Starbucks. Make sure you stop by there as well and pull up a chair for a moment.

Today, you’re in charge of the menu. My plate is empty; come and fill my hunger with your fellowship. I’ll eat most anything you’re serving (minus collard greens and chicken & pastry). As always…

Peace for the journey,