The Dining Table is the Barometer of Family and Community Life
by: Benicio Brown
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Word Count: 499
In days gone by the table was the center of the family. These days that tradition has long past. This is sad because it shows in the state of our country. A tightly knit family was the basis for life just a few generations ago and it showed in our country as a whole. These days most people have very little idea of what is really going on in thier extended family let alone in thier own home. The kitchen table was a place where the family talked about what was going on, what they where doing, thier plans for the week etc over breakfast, lunch and dinner. These days a meal consists of whatever can be picked up in a drive through window or unwrapped while you're on the way to do something.
Our "civilized" society of accomplishing more, instant gratification and cheap massed produced everything has taken its toll on the family unit. We have substitued family time for all things cheap and meaningless. Mickey D'sFast food, the rehashed movie and chinese furniture.
When did the status quo become having everything done for us? Taking no pride in anything including the family? Making a meal that took a couple of hours used to be a source of joy for who ever made it, typically the wife. It took time and skill, both of which seem to be a rare commodity these days. If someone actually cooks these days it tends to be microwave dinner. The funny part is that in alot of families even this farce of making dinner is met with "you made dinner?". My god! What happened to quality and pride?
When everything is quick in life what really has any meaning or value? How can it have any value or meaning?
A meeting held in front of the tv is distracted and quickly forgotten by everyone involved. It carries no meaning because there is no eye contact or true interaction. Conversations held over a true family meal that was carefully prepared carries with it a whole lot more meaning. Why you ask well it's simple. Whoever took the time to pick up, prepare and then cook everything must really give a hoot about who they're making it for. They were willing to set aside the time necessary to make such a meal. In this day and age of no time that in itself says alot. When the effort is made it doesn't go un-noticed simply because it's so rare these days. One of the biggest keys to the whole dinner as a family thing is the initial effort put forth by the person that actually made it. This sets things in motion for all involved to put extra effort into the famliy meal.
Meetings around the kitchen table are undistracted, face to face and more sincere. When home cooked dinners are included as a standard part of family life that family has a chance to become like the families of our fore-fathers - closer, more loving and sincere.
About the Author
A strong family should surround a dining table that is worthy, such as the ones that can be found at this Hand Made Furniture website. For an original version of this or other home decor, family and furniture related articles visit Dining Room Tables
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