Youth Ministry Thoughts
The Value in Dinner as a Family
Nov
There is still value in dinner as a family! I’ve been a father for 18+ years and a husband for 21+ years. Throughout this time, I have always prioritized being home for dinner with my wife and children.
Of course, there are times and seasons when this cannot be a nightly thing. However, it has been a reasonably consistent, daily part of our family life.
When I have ministry scheduled during the evenings, I have made it clear to my supervisors that I will go home briefly to see my family and have an early meal. Often, my family has brought dinner to the church so we could share a few minutes together at the end of our day.
Some may think this is an unrealistic or impossible goal, especially if your busy schedule consists of work, sports, school, and church. I am also keenly aware this may not be a reality for everyone on a daily basis. But prioritizing family dinners a few times a week in your home will make a difference in your family.
Here are a few reasons why family dinners still matter:
1) Value in Dinner as a Family in SOCIAL INTERACTION
Family meals are opportunities to teach and prepare your children for society. In the span of time from toddler years to graduation, there are thousands of opportunities to teach and talk socially. For this reason, enjoy your family meals around a table, in chairs facing each other, not sitting on a couch facing a screen. The human community happens in circles, not in rows.
The family table is the first-place children learn social skills such as manners, etiquette, politeness, and conversation. These things are slowly fading in our society as more and more families move away from a shared eating experience.
A family meal table is also a place where your family can talk about life and discuss the events of their day. As you share the ups and downs of social interactions and challenges, these are teachable and priceless moments with your child. This should also be a safe place to talk about society itself as you discuss current news, topics, and even politics… politely.
2) Value in Dinner as a Family in SUSTENANCE
At first, this might seem to be given. A meal equals sustenance… but. Do our children know what to eat in our fast-moving world of snacks and junk food? If every meal is on the run, or our own, do our children leave home knowing how to cook and prepare a meal for themselves?
A family meal is an obvious moment to teach about healthy eating and nutritious food choices. A family meal does not always have to be homemade and perfectly healthy, but consider the opportunity to taste and experience healthier options.
Make it fun with a shopping trip earlier in the week to a local market.
Make it a challenge as you cook and prepare the meal together.
Make it an adventure by having one healthy item your child has never tried.
Make it sustainable by talking about monetary and bodily stewardship – discussing the value of food, both by price and health.
3) Value in Dinner as a Family in SPIRITUAL GROWTH
“And they broke bread together…”. Do you realize how many times food is mentioned in the Bible?
Have you ever noticed the stories about meals and those that take place around meals? Even Jesus chose to make one of his most powerful, symbolic remembrances around a meal.
A family meal can have spiritual power and significance.
When the devices are turned off and the only form of “entertainment” is face-to-face, these moments can provide an opportunity to talk about God while experiencing His physical blessings and provision.
Meals together can provide opportunities for dialogue, questions, and Bible study.
Consider making your family meal a time when you share a family devotion and have a time of prayer. These meals can create an oasis of peace without distractions and a busy family schedule.
Prioritize this time in your schedule to invest in the spiritual life of your family.
You may find that prayer of blessing over your family and your food may produce spiritual growth in your home.
