A friend recently recommended a song that echoes the anthem of my life–or the kind of life I hope I’m creating. Performed by the country women supergroup, The Highwomen, “Crowded Table” is a song about welcoming and being present for others. (I’m not a fan of country music but I’m a big fan of this group.) You can listen here.
While our lives are full and chaotic at times, Glendon and I have tried to make our home a place where people from all walks of life can enter and feel safe and supported. In the various homes we’ve lived for the past 16 years, the table has been a fixture, a central point where we hope to nourish souls with a plate of food and the promise of belonging. What a privilege to be trusted with personal stories from hilarious young adults, overwhelmed parents, or lonely neighbors. Our hope has always been for those gathered to feel seen and heard around our table.
About six years ago, my parents made a major move from a spacious home they’d enjoyed for years to a small apartment across town. Taking only what they needed and cherished, they gave away Fiestaware and furniture to their kids like a mayor tossing candy at a parade. Grateful that we could use what they needed to purge, Dad and Mom enthusiastically released a few sizable items that wouldn’t work in their new space.
One major piece of furniture that they passed along was their Ethan Allen table, purchased circa 1985. With no other siblings interested in this weathered heirloom, Glendon and I gladly hauled it six hundred miles up the east coast from Florida to Pennsylvania. Our other table had served us well but with several more inches in length and two extra leaves, my parent’s old table could accommodate additional chairs. With our growing family and steady stream of visitors, we felt like we’d hit the hospitality jackpot.
Before you go thinking, “Ooooh, Ethan Allen, huh? Sounds boojie,” let me remind you that this table was FREE. It has also been through a move or two. Or eleventy billion. If you ever find yourself sitting around our table (and I hope you do!), you’ll notice the scuffed corners (from previous moves, toddler heads, and adult hips), coffee mug stains (guilty), stubborn glitter and craft paint (thanks, Kids), teeth marks on the legs (dang dogs), random Algebra equations from an angry teen (that’s me), and cookie outlines where the wax paper stuck (FYI, parchment paper is a better alternative).
Our aging table has 34 years’ worth of conversations–both epic and ordinary–etched in its weathered frame. We don’t need a new or fancier table to share a meal and connect with neighbors; our battered one works just fine. It has proven itself sufficient to remind weary souls they can show up with their rough edges and imperfections and still be valued in our less-than-perfect space. My prayer is that as the food is passed and stories are shared, those gathered will be assured that they matter, that they are welcome, and that they belong to the One who takes great delight in them.
What is one place in your home where guests feel welcomed? A cozy chair? An outdoor swing? A front porch step? Would love to hear!
Featured photo by Annie Spratt at Unsplash
Lanee Jean Kmieczak says
I love that I have sat around this table with you and your family! It’s always a blessing to share a meal or snacks or coffee with you and your crew. So thankful that our paths crossed so many years ago and we have been able to stay connected. You are a blessing to so many! Grateful to call you friend!
Katie says
Thank you for your kind words, Lanee. I’m so grateful our paths crossed nearly 17 years ago! I love that our friendship began with a trail ride in the woods and continued to grow through our shared love of camp and community around the table. You are such a gift–let’s get a coffee date on the calendar soon!
Cheri Johnson says
We are so much like you – although we don’t do this nearly often enough. Our cozy place is our kitchen table – often laden with homemade gluten-free , hand-ground flour, waffles and a myriad of toppings.
What a fun read this blog was. This is Jesus-style living.
Katie says
Thank you, Cheri! Thanks for taking the time to read–I know you get the blogger life 🙂
Your table sounds so warm and inviting. I wish we could connect over waffles and coffee and talk ALL THE THINGS. I’m grateful to have connected with you, a fellow adoptive mom and writer. Cheering you on as you continue to share meaningful content with adoptive parents!