Presentation – it can make all the difference. When preparing a dish, a chef knows taste is essential but his presentation is often just as important. Just the right swirl of this, the extra dusting of that or even the perfect piece of green makes a good dish better – and a great dish perfect! Especially if that decorative swirl is of the chocolate variety:)
I am not a chef. I’m actually a very basic cook and my plates are usually not dusted or swirled; however, I do love to create a pretty table. Perhaps that is my presentation…and my sweet Tyler enjoyed this as much as I do. He loved to set the table on any night but birthdays, anniversaries or holidays were his time to shine. Placemats, chargers, plenty of silver and fancy goblets all made him happy and that child made napkin folding an artform! Be still, my heart. Preparing the table, for that youngest son of mine, was a labor of joy and expressed love to all those who were invited and gathered around for the meal.
In much the same way, David reminds us in the psalms that God has prepared a table for us. He not only provides for us but He invites us to come and partake. And He does so “in the presence of our enemies.” No matter what threatens us, stresses or burdens us, we can still come to the table – generously and loving prepared – and be refreshed. Strengthen and renewed.
That is a great encouragement as we labor here below. And, I think, just a glimpse of the grand reunion coming and the great feast we will enjoy together one day in Heaven. Be encouraged!
Psalm 23:5 “Thous preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
There is joy in a beautifully prepared table–and the people that gather around it.
Oh, I totally agree!!
Have to say, i love setting a table well too in preparation and expectation!
A bit of creative expression, I suppose. Which is good for me – since I cannot draw a stick figure with a ruler!
nicely written. My tables, even if I try, are never works of art. 🙂
Thanks, Annette – glad you stopped by!!
I do like to a nicely done table too. I enjoy the process!
The fun really is in the process:)
I’m not much of a cook and don’t spend a lot of time thinking about presentation of my food. But I do love having a pretty table set with the china and some special touches.
I’m always hopeful that a pretty table makes up for what tastiness my food might lack:)
I’m so thankful that He does prepare that table for us. He prepares, that is such a precious thought! Thank you for stirring such beautiful thoughts!
Glad you stopped by, Bettie! Have a wonderful weekend!
“That is a great encouragement as we labor here below. And, I think, just a glimpse of the grand reunion coming and the great feast we will enjoy together one day in Heaven. Be encouraged!”… sure am! You edited in a future date with the sacred, and that’s the best kind of skill…. holy decor in each morsel, reminding me of a banquet to die for. Thankyou for saying! Have a great day 🌻🌼🌷
So glad you were encouraged….and glad you stopped by! Nice to meet you:) I hope you have a great weekend as well!!
“My cup runneth over” What a wonderful thought and promise! One I try to pass on, too as I prepare for guests and my family! I want them to sense the overflowing love I have for them. Thank you for reminding us that God’s wonderful table awaits and that He fills us to overflowing with His love which is like no other! This is a beautiful post Jennifer!
Thanks for stopping by, Cindy! There is so much we can express/give to our guests as we prepare a meal and the table. It can become a ministry of sorts:)
I love that God provides that place of refreshment and restoration for us in the midst of life’s challenges!
Me too, Lesley!
Beautiful post! And message. Thank for sharing.
I am sad that we don’t set the table any more. I think I will implement that again. Now days I just tell PC to grab us both forks from the silverware drawer. Not sure I would remember which side to put the fork on, if I do set the table.
Hope to have Easter dinner at my house. Won’t have swirls or dusts on my plate, but will invite the Lord to be with us. And I doubt He will mind. Used paper plates…holiday ones…at Christmas. Might do that again for Easter but I always set the table for holidays!!
You mentioned really liking the quilt I bought on Bed, Bath and Beyond. Here is the link. Sign up for emails from them and save 20%. XO
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/levtex-home-victoria-reversible-quilt-set/3322613?skuId=61216792
Leslie, thank you so much for the link. I’m going to hop over just now!! Hosting Easter dinner sounds lovely:)
There was once, for me, a place
with lovely food and sparkling wine,
but now I face a harder grace
with meals fit for a Frankenstein,
plates that balance on my knee
(only, sometimes, though, they don’t),
for in being all that I can be
some parts of life simply won’t
fit into the badass mold
that my Lord hath bade me fill
the one that He has lately told
me was His kind and hardnosed will
so that I could bring some needed light
to others caught in cancer’s night.