MARRIAGE 16 november 2024 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida edition Like many of you, I had the blessing of attending a wedding recently. A beautiful bride, handsome groom, magical setting, meaningful ceremony, attended by beloved family and friends. I found myself looking around and pondering the decades of friendships framed with the happiest and saddest of days. As the ceremony closed, we entered a ballroom that was like a fairytale. Tables adorned with centerpieces and a wedding feast prepared for the guest. Life’s second most significant commitment, the covenant of marriage, was celebrated by gathering around a dining table. Life’s most significant and life defining decision was also remembered and memorialized by another meal. As Christ prepared to die on our behalf, He chose to spend His final hours, sharing His thoughts with the people He loved, gathered around a dining table for the Last Supper. Why is the gathering of friends and family around a meal so significant? In today’s fast-paced world, where screens dominate interactions and everyone seems to have a full schedule, gathering around the dinner table may seem like a quaint, nostalgic ritual. However, research and countless family stories suggest that family dinners hold a powerful role in fostering connection, communication and wellbeing. The importance of family meals and gatherings offer benefits that extend beyond the table. Strengthens family bonds Family dinners and gatherings provide a dedicated time to slow down and engage with one another. Amid daily obligations, the table becomes a space where family members can bond, share stories and genuinely connect. When we’re away from work and school, our interactions often lead to deeper conversations where we can open up, share our thoughts and intentionally listen. Research is revealing that the collective experience of the meal and the interactions between the members can cultivate a strong sense of belonging and support, which helps us feel valued and understood. With the demands of the culture mealtime is often one of the few chances for our families to be together in a relaxed, inclusive setting. Builds communication skills At the table, children and adults alike learn valuable communication skills that benefit them in all aspects of life. The informal yet structured environment of a family meal encourages children and adults to express their thoughts and feelings in a supportive and respectful setting while fostering discussions with varying viewpoints. This sets the stage for family members to better understand and appreciate differences within their own household. These interactions develop essential skills for healthy relationships in all ages and stages of life. Enhances academic and social development Research shows that children who regularly eat dinner with their families often experience improved academic performance, stronger social skills and improved mental health. Family meals create an environment that can stimulate learning and growth and encourage open dialogue. It helps children expand their vocabulary, develop language skills and can involve critical thinking and problem-solving. The table often becomes a safe place for discussing problems, challenges, as well as a place of celebrating achievements, creating opportunities for family members to offer support and understanding which builds a sense of belonging and security. Builds and preserves traditions Traditions are one of the building blocks of family identity, and family dinners are an opportunity to create and preserve family traditions, whether through recipes, celebrations or rituals. We all remember the special recipe that’s been prepared on holidays. My husband’s family had a recipe for grandmas’ goulash that was a must. Not my favorite but we made it just the same in her memory. Sharing recipes and customs around the dinner table can help families connect with their heritage and pass it on to the next generation. It also creates cherished memories and allows space and time to reflect and express gratitude which fosters positive attitudes and an appreciation for the present moment. While the demands of modern life make family dinners seem like a luxury, the benefits they offer are profound and wide-ranging. Gathering around the table is much more than just eating; it is a time to connect, communicate and build relationships that enrich our spiritual and family life. Whether it’s a daily tradition or reserved for weekends, making time for family dinners can leave a lasting impact on everyone involved, supporting emotional, spiritual, social and even physical wellbeing. Embracing the practice of regular family meals is a powerful investment in the health and happiness of the family unit. What did Jesus do? This Thanksgiving season our hope for you and your family is that you’ll do what Jesus did. He celebrated and shared a meal with those he loved at two very significant moments. His first miracle was at a wedding. Before his journey to the cross he shared His Last Supper with his disciples. Relate Well Live Well is so committed to the family gathering and mealtime that we are expanding our teaching to strengthen marriages and families through a new initiative we’ve named Gather Well beginning Nov.15. Relate Well Live Well (formerly Live the Life South Florida) exists to strengthen marriages and families through skills-based relationship education beginning in middle school through senior adults. We provide workshops for marriage enrichment and HOPE Weekends for marriages needing a deeper work. RWLW.org - Lisa May - Executive Director, Relate Well Live Well The Significance of Gathering
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