Regularly Scheduled Tradition

I love our family dinners. My wife works hard to make sure we eat good food and the only way you leave the table hungry is by choice. We strive to make this a part of our routine as much as possible (depending on the schedule) because we believe in the importance of it. It's just not about eating together, but it's about what we are building while we are there.

The table is the place to talk about what matters most, how to handle tough situations, and dreams for our future. It's not always an intense teaching moment, in fact, it's often filled with silly comments, inside jokes, and loud laugh-filled exclamations as we all push for the top voice. It's not always perfect either. There are times of tension and difficulties (aren't there in any family?) but the good dinners always outnumber the tough ones. I believe it's a fundamental part of our family culture and hopefully it is building something in them that lasts. I know it will for my wife and I.

Dinner Time

We spent an hour and a half around our dinner table last night. The meal was good, but our reason for sitting there that long had nothing to do with a long, drawn out meal. It was centered around our family and the fact that we enjoy spending time together. We laughed at each other's quick quips and funny one-liners, talked about silly things that don't have great depth of meaning, and told stories. Our girls listened intently, interrupted with questions, and we all got off track only to wind up back where we began. When we finally got up from the table I told my wife that it was the best part of my day.

I love these girls and everything we get to do with them. These simple times of conversation around the dinner table are a key part of who our family is. I feel confident in knowing that our girls value it as much as we do.