“I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy
and enjoy themselves as long as they live;
moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink
and take pleasure in all their toil.”
-Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
So I’m going to share with you the small obsession I had this past winter: watching baking and cooking shows! And just to be clear, I’m not talking about the type that goes through a recipe step by step. I’m talking about those reality baking shows that are more of a competition to see who is the best (or sometimes worst) cook! You see for most of this winter and spring, my husband and I would relax together and watch baking and cooking competitions, and managed to watch several different series. For us, it was a great way to unwind after a busy day, as we watched people make amazing creations in very short periods of time. And as we’d watch, we would dream of making similar meals or cakes or breads, although we rarely tried any of them. Because of course, we didn’t have anyone to serve it to, and we knew we shouldn’t be making that many treats just for ourselves! A good friend of mine was amused by our obsession, and honestly we were too. We weren’t sure why we enjoyed them so much, we just knew it brought us delight. But one of the things my husband would often say is that he couldn’t wait to be able to travel again so he could have someone to make these treats for. Looking back, I now realize that this was why we enjoyed these shows so much. It was because it allowed us to dream about sharing in meals with loved ones again. Because this is what we were longing for. Gathering with loved ones around a table to share a meal. Making special foods or treats and celebrating after church events or special occasions. We missed being hosts and more importantly we missed the wonderful conversations that are so often held over shared meals. We just missed people! Which then led me to think about how much of a theme hospitality and fellowship is in our scriptures. Throughout our scriptures there is story after story that centres around food and eating together with others. Some passages use food as metaphors for our relationship with God and Christ. Others remind us of the importance of caring for strangers and those in need. Passages like the one I just shared invite us to remember that it is good to just enjoy what we have and time spent with one another. Why? Because fellowship and joy are an important part of our life of faith. It is often over food that we find ourselves able to relax and be ourselves and often we become more vulnerable and open with one another. I know some of my greatest memories were made over a table of food. It’s also when I have found myself able to share what is in my heart with friends and family. Food allows us to open up and laugh and cry with one another, tell stories and create new ones. It offers a place where we can bear our souls to one another. Which makes my longing to cook and bake make sense. Although both my husband and I enjoy cooking and baking, what we were truly longing for was relationship and connection. We were longing for those beautiful moments that remind us we are not alone. I was longing for those moments that help me feel God with me and see Jesus in friends and neighbours. So what is your favorite part about sharing a meal with others? During times of restriction over this past year, what did you miss the most? As we begin to gather again with loved ones, remember to enjoy the precious moments. Don’t stress over the perfect meal plan or making the house sparkling clean. Enjoy the time of sharing, laughing, loving one another, and as you do, look into the eyes of those who sit across the Table. Look and see that the Divine is in each one. For God is with us always.
Devotional was written by Rev. Tara Ann Gourson, July 2021.
Bideford Pastoral Charge 