The Family Table

Isn't it funny how we put so much time into building the perfect living room. The big screen TV, the couch and love seat. The perfect place for family and friends. We spend countless hours a week there its our sanctuary from our day to day.
    To me its funny that when company arrives we always end up at the family table. Sometimes we break out a board game or dominoes. Sometimes its a cup of coffee with some memories thrown in.  Its not just my house where this happens. It seems this happens when we visit others. Whether it be my dad's house or my Mother in-law's house it seems that is where we gravitate to.
    I think that is because at one time in our now too busy society the family table held a place of reverence and signified family. It was welcome to all and signified coming together. 
   When I was growing up I remember the visit to my Aunt's and Uncle's houses. I remember those Saturday nights vividly. Occasionally it was a meal that brought us all together but more times than not it was all about being together.  The laughter and the conversations I can still hear today. As a child if you listened you got to know one another. It was an honor to sit around these great men and women's
tables. Those memories are all that are left of those men and women. Asking someone to sit at your table was not an empty gesture it meant something. You were considered family.
   It is something we do far less today. Always something more important. The TV show you can't miss or someone has plans away from the house.  We try to at least plan a couple of meals a week where everyone sits at the table. Those days there is no telling who may show up. That's fine we always cook more than enough. I feel myself listening more than talking because it gives me a chance to observe and learn, just like mama taught me when I was young. You will get your chance to speak I promise.
    Just a few thoughts about a piece of furniture that does not get near the respect it deserves. The family table. The word family says it all. Make time this week for family.

From There to Here

Do you ever step back and just say wow? How did I get to where I am in life? Do you think about the twists and turns that led you to this very minute in life? What a crazy ride it has been. The joys the heartache all led you to where you stand now. Lord knows our lives aren't perfect by any stretch of the imagination. But there are those moments when you feel truly blessed.
   Watching the sunset tonight I'll have to admit I feel blessed. I have a great job that allows me to provide for my family. I have a girl that not only is my wife but my best friend. We have a lot of the same interests and love spending time together.  We truly enjoy each other's company. Tonight she is at School tonight so its just me and the hounds tonight on the back patio. Its a bit lonely tonight on this beautiful evening. It allows me a little time to reflect. I say all that to say this" I truly do not know how my life got to this point." Truthfully I think I tried my best to sabotage my best efforts of making a good life. I was always good at making bad decisions and quick decisions without considering the outcome.
  I can only explain it by saying "divine intervention." What else could it be? I promise its not of my hands. I know when I try and take the wheel I wind up lost. I'm a male I don't take directions well. Its in our DNA. 
   I look back at my life and I swear its like a maze. I know that a different turn along the wayhere or there I would not be where I am. I still have a long way to go and with the Good Lord willing he will get me there. I have learned so many of life's lessons and I am sure there will be more along the way. I have made mistakes that I will not make again. I have learned how to love unsefishly. I have learned what its like to give your heart away and have someone give their heart back in return.  Life is not a straight path from there to here. Its the crooks and turns that build character along the way. Its the relationships with friends and family that make the journey worthwhile. I really don't know how I got here but I am enjoying the view.
Life is good
God Bless
Big Skinny