Martha Olawale

“You prepare a table before me…” Psalm 23:5a

Most of the time, the family eats at different times and sometimes in separate parts of the room but eating together at the dining table is one of my favorite things. It creates the most relaxing atmosphere for us to enjoy meals and laugh together. I love watching the kids’ faces and listening to them make fun of one another. There is something about it that sets the tone of unity and freedom and sometimes I wish it could go on longer because of the memories we make.

Our last born is the newest in the family and he gets the most attention because he has more to learn about table manners. Until recently, he sits by me at the dining table because unlike his brother and sister, he needs help during mealtimes. I help him with simple things like cutting his chicken and pouring his juice while teaching him how to do it by himself.

When you surrender your life to Christ and trust Him to be your Lord, He becomes your Father, loving you with an everlasting love. He welcomes you into His family and surrounds you with all you need to succeed in your walk with Him. He is not irritated by your messes but helps you through the learning process.

A few years back, I was having a discussion with a group about what diversity should look like in the Christian fold, and I made an example of how God wants us to approach Him and each other. I said when I serve dinner, all my children have equal rights to sit at the dining table to eat with the family. None is a guest at the table and they do not need my permission or any of their siblings’ permission to sit and eat with the rest of the family. Their right to participate was sealed by virtue of their birth.

In the same vein, our right to God’s family is sealed by virtue of our rebirth in Christ. The Father’s table is set for all His children regardless of what they look or sound like. At His table, it doesn’t matter the language you speak or if you are short or tall, black or white, young or old. If you are part of the family, you have an equal right to participate. Regardless of what stage you are in your walk with Christ, once you cross the line of salvation, you are family.

Just like my youngest, the newer you are, the better the seat you get at the table because God knows He might need to help you wipe your sticky hands and clean the mess around you.