Clearing the Table for God’s Meal #AWholeSnack
Onitsha Main Market
A friend of mine sent a text to me the other day, asking, “Are you leaving your table clear for God’s meal for you?” He then followed it up with, “Clearing off all the snacks?” Well... I’m the only snack on this table, so, yes. Lol.
But, honestly, and truthfully, I genuinely liked his inquisition in the midst of our conversation. This point of the conversation began, mind you, because he was searching for my gist, and I kept telling him I don’t have any! I finally broke it down to this:
“I mean, I’ve had my fun, and I’m pretty keen on just living my life. I’m pretty strict with my time, and if you haven’t noticed, I pour a lot into my friends and family. There’s a lot that occupies my energy and my thoughts. I make time for those I genuinely care to make time for...”
I continued, briefly. into other reasoning of the purity of my intentions, but that’s another topic for another day.
If the analogy must be belabored, think about it this way: The snacks are our distractions, and the meal is our God-given reward. Often, I used to tell one of my brothers that when there’s so much on our dashboard, it’s hard to see what’s in our peripheral. Through the clutter, it’s difficult to see what’s coming our way and decipher purely. When we’re momentarily satiated from the appetizers (bruschetta, calamari fritti, and anti pasti - yum!), how can we even provide a full thought to our entree?
Similarly, yes, I have my seat at the table, free of empty calories, refined sugars, and temporary satisfaction, because what I am looking for, is substance. That satisfaction won’t come from snacks. I believe that when we’re occupied by so much, consistently, we don’t allow ourself to see clearly, with a full mind. I often pray for God’s grace to help me see what my eyes cannot see, and hear what my ears cannot, so that I can slice through the fog to make anointed decisions.
Think about how you’re preparing this table, as well. You only make a first impression once, and this is the dinner party of a lifetime. Is your table to full of side dishes? Is there an abundance of desserts? Is anything homemade? Do any of your dishes carry authenticity, traditions, and unique value? Is your table etiquette up to par? Is there any room on this table for an additional entree, or even a second seat? I pride myself on keeping my table set, knowing what I bring to the dinner party, and I always say, “I don’t expect anything of others, that I don’t expect from myself.” (Adversely, I acknowledge that when you assume that others will think like you, one will typically end up disappointed - thus, the latter only applies to those close to me)
Our lead pastor, Pastor Wale, once mentioned that as single Christians, we need to look for the “DNA” in our partner: Debt Free, No Baggage, and Abstinent. Expectingly, he lamented , that we all must strive for the same in ourselves. We can’t expect to enter a situation with just a knife, awaiting a three-course, pre-fixed, restaurant week menu. More often, than not, it doesn’t work that way. What are you doing to prepare the table for what’s to come? How are you preparing, emotionally, physically, and spiritually?
It is commonly seen that most hurdles identified while in relationships are issues that existed during single-hood. If the eggs were runny then, because you didn’t take the time to allow them to boil, they will remain runny when your guests arrive. If the chicken was undercooked because the patience that was needed lacked in the final hours, then you can expect unsavory results (and a mild case of salmonella). Like anything else, and as the lead chef and Martha Stewart of your life, preparation is key (to fine dining).
I firmly believe (stronger and stronger each day) that God will guide us along our path. I don’t see the point of these snacks, when God has a full-course meal in the oven for me that He has been preparing for God knows how long. That is not my intention. I think, in life, it’s crucial to allow focus to areas that’s we deem important. Our agenda is reflection of what we value in life. This notation is applicable to work, course work, diets, anything really, aside from just relationships, and it’s not easy. This type of work takes diligent patience and discipline. That’s not to say that I have it all the time, as I’m not perfect. However, it is a constant prayer of mine, and there are footpaths in me that I have seen God work through, that has allowed me to keep my table clear of the snacks, and keep my eyes focused on my meal.