I invite you to our dining room table … Our table is two 6-foot-long black folding tables stuck together. It is an ample size for a family of six, rather large for the 4 of us that live under our roof, but perfect for hosting friends. Our table is where people and things have gathered for many different reasons. It’s where family life is shared, meetings happen, prayers are prayed, homework is done, wash is folded, games are played and puzzles are completed, arguments happen and celebrations commence, life is contemplated and Dad jokes laughed at, it’s a place for tears to fall and for people to linger over coffee, and of course … food, a rich supply of nutrients are shared around our bountiful table.
Reflecting on the table in Psalm 23, specifically vs 5. Father God prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies, He anoints our head with oil and our cup overflows.
Imagine as you will, your table that Father has prepared for you. My banqueting table catches the morning sun, has plants on a 1/3 of it, a candle in the middle, two chairs and one stool for Adam if he joins me in the morning. This table is where I feast on His Word, savor His promises, and devour the instruction He serves up. It’s where I can hear Him the clearest, it’s sacred and holy ground. But the beautiful thing about this table is that it is prepared in the presence of our enemies. I imagine it like a snow globe effect or the powering up of the “Deflector shield generators from Star Wars”, everyone can see through it but no one can touch what’s inside! Whether chaos and tragedy ensues all around us or we are peacefully mesmerized by hummingbirds and the sunset, His peace awaits us at the table that He has prepared for us.
At my table, there is always a cup of creamy warm coffee. And, my cup of coffee is overflowing and saturating the tablecloth! Now, to the seasoned coffee connoisseur, this is an absurd image but let me explain … This image of the overflowing cup comes from the days of David and was a symbol of invitation, welcome or dismissal. If a host kept the cup full, the guest knew they were welcome. If the cup was empty, not refilled, the host was indicating it was time for the guest to leave. However, if the host really enjoyed the company, he would fill the cup to overflowing and let it spill over the rim saturating the table ... Let this sink in before reading on … Dear friends, He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies, and our cup is overflowing!
Over the past 4 years our journey has been marked with deep pain, sadness and loss. Had it not been for our time at this table, I’m quite certain we would not still be serving in Costa Rica. July of 2020, right in the middle of Covid, the founder and former director of our ministry died suddenly from a heart attack. While we were scrambling and trying to pick up the pieces, six months later, our dear friend and our boy’s youth leader died from Covid complications. We spent the next year trying to keep the ministry ship afloat and trying to look to Jesus as the captain of that ship. But by August of 2021, we were nearing burn out and needing a rest. We returned stateside to spend time resting in the arms of Jesus and regaining the ground the enemy was trying to steal. Praise God, as we spent time at our saturated table, and sought counsel, He restored our souls and we returned to CR in November of 2021 ready to serve where He has placed us.
At Vidanet, I have the amazing privilege of mentoring and discipling our staff girls. My personal time at my table is a vital necessity as I shepherd their hearts toward Jesus while working through hurts from their past and present. One of my favorite things to do is spend time on the rocking chairs (my office) with them sharing coffee, conversation and Jesus. Demonstrating the simplicity of taking time to listen and care, my hope is that they see, learn and experience the value of communing at their table. I can hardly express the deep sense of peace and joy when they understand their value and that their personal cup is always overflowing! The realization that they have a welcome invitation to remain at their table with Jesus through their daily lives is life changing! Oh the beauty of Jesus’ transforming work. And, I get to enjoy delicious coffee while He does it!
Soaking in His invitation ... Lounging at the table ... Anointed peace.
Life on the Mountain
In a family of 40, we had a few birthday's to celebrate; Vida Missions weeks 1 and 2 wrapped up and was stretching; Entering into week #3 of Vida Missions organized chaos - tomorrow we welcome 112 youthful souls ready for a life changing adventure - Jesus, lead us to the cross! A week of Kairos dramatically changed our mission mindset - Praise God! Adam is enjoying 2 week of vacation and unending adventure with friends; Jedidiah is preparing to be Jr. staff and give leadership to work projects; Joseph just returned to PA after a 17 day westward adventure; Micah is learning the balance of rest and work, leadership and friendship and seeking heavenly wisdom for student's next steps; We've binged on The Chosen and we've been enjoying Little House on the Prairie marathons (no, I don't twist their arms, they willing say yes!) and ... savoring the intimacy of our table with our saturated table cloth.
Praises
Sensing the presence of Jesus during Vida Missions
Changed lives in the routine of Vida Missions
Peaceful sleep
Sweet connections with students, they are amazing!
Physical strength and spiritual insight.
Emotional ups and downs but grounded in His sweet presence.
Prayers
Direction for next steps in school for Jedidiah
A job for Joseph
Adam's focus in school
Physical healing over Micah's body
Balance for rest and work
To receive strength, fortitude and vision as we feast at our saturated table
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My banqueting table ...
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| Relishing my "full" table as a family of six! |
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| One more, "Act like you love each other!" |
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| What happens IF you don't follow the rules ... He's a man with a manchette! |
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| Celebrating dad with homemade soft pretzels and a video call with Joseph! |
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| Celebrating #11 for Adam ... We found a bowling alley in Costa Rica! |
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| A taste of the journey Joseph and buddies were on ... Captivating sights! |
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| Legos in the Library ... A perfect spot on a rainy afternoon! |
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| When your friends are away and you say to Dad "what can I do, I'm SO bored!?" ... Why, organize receipts of course! |
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| My handsome breakfast date to celebrate the start of vacation! |
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| Kairos graduates ... A perspective altering week! |
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| The "sick" bench ... While the rest played futbol, the injured kept Mama Jen company! |
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| Celebrating July and August days of birth ... can you believe there's even a few missing!
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Such a wonderful story you live! Love you all and am looking forward to seeing you in October. Let's all have some time together!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blogs Jen and especially this one even though I've heard it numerous times when you presented them to the churches! This truly represents you Jen! Love you guys and we are continually praying for your ministry and family.
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