"Sunday Dinner"

SPIRIT: ... A vital force within living beings; ... the essential nature of humanity; ... the fundamental emotion of feeling.


We're having company for dinner tonight... an elderly friend, and her nephew (who is visiting from England). With age, vegetarianism, likes, dislikes, and a forecasted cool, snowy, wet day to consider, I have carefully planned the menu, and will soon start creating our feast for "Sunday Dinner".

Just saying those two words brings back memories of so many dinners past.
The family and friends who gathered at the table (or TV trays!).  Saying, and sharing, Grace... remembering to be thankful for what we had been given. The ever popular roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy, the comforting chicken pot pie, the delicious roast pork with dressing balls. The crackling of a winter's night fire, or the warm breeze of a summer's eve. The stories and the laughter. The "spirit" of Sunday dinner was all encompassing.

Does that spirit still exist today?  I hope so. Our lives have become so busy, we just don't have time, or make time, for family dinners anymore. 
Having raised children who were involved in a number of activities, having a husband who travels for work, having personally been affected by illness and often unable to participate in treasured family time... I get it, I understand. It's not easy to have everyone in one place, at one time, enjoying one meal together.
Or perhaps separation from, or loss of family creates the impossiblity of gathering together to share in the delightment of a Sunday dinner. We've experienced both of these difficult situations. This is where your friends become your family. And you are thankful for them.

My point, and I do have one (!), is this... everyone should know the joy of a Sunday dinner. 
So whether you've attended church this day, whether it's a day where you've quietly reflected at home, a day needed to prepare for the week ahead, and especially if it's a day that lacks purpose or meaning for you... accept an invitation to a Sunday dinner, or prepare and share a simple meal at home, inviting your family or friends.  

Your spirit will rejoice!


(Post Script: This special dinner can take place on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday too. You can be "spiritual" any day of the week!)
  
Keep on keeping on... bArB :)