The Kitchen Table

7:10 a.m., that was the time my family would congregate for breakfast.  Eating around the table together was part of our family tradition and, as is turns out, a healthy tradition at that.  Recent studies have shown that families who sit down for meals together are healthier, happier and better adjusted.  Time magazine, in the article “The Magic of the Family Meal”, outlines numerous benefits for the children of the families who share meals together.  Indeed, there is nothing “Magic” about it.  Families are part of the structure God places in this world.  God works through families and households; he always has and always will.  “Every good and perfect gift from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  (James 1:17)  The family unit is one of the good gifts from God.  Unfortunately, this gift has been corrupted to some degree by sin and there are situations of brokenness where we long for restoration and healing.  Even though that is the case, when things are going well in the family structure I believe we get a foretaste of the Kingdom of God.  This month the students in grades 5-8 will be discussing God’s plan for marriage, the changes they will experience in the next few years, and a faithful response to the good gift God has entrusted to them, their bodies.  Addressing these themes regarding “Family Life” may present opportunities around the kitchen table to discuss the topics dealt with in class.  God will continue to work powerfully through families for generations to come as he does not change like shifting shadows.  God’s blessings to you and your families.  ~ Mr. Bouwers