I grew up having dinner every evening around our family table. My mom made sure we all sat and ate together at the end of the day. So many memories were built around the table with my family that we still recall today. I don’t remember our last “family” meal at that table. We all at one point moved on into our seasons of new tables and new family memories.
In my own immediate family, I remember as the mom, trying to make dinner a special time as we gathered from the busyness of the day, giving thanks to God and connecting with each other. I don’t even remember when that last family meal happened. The meal and time when it was just my husband and kids. It happened without recognition or fanfare that it was the last time we would sit and share a meal. I do miss those times around the table. Laughing, quoting movies, telling “dad jokes” and all the fun and frivolity that comes with “family” time.
My family table looks a bit different now. It’s just my husband and me. We share the day’s events and our thoughts and dreams. It’s wonderful to share the table with a loved one and I do cherish these moments even while I miss the ones with my kids. We do still get together with our kids (most of them anyway) and share the table with them and our grandkids! Those are lovely, wonderful times spent together. Every summer, we have the opportunity to have most of our grandkids for a few days and we are privileged to once again experience a full table with those fun and energetic loved littles! This table is once again full of laughter, love, and life!
We all experience seasonal changes. We are living with our parents, then we are the parents, then we are an “empty nest” couple, and then, we may eventually be single again. I bring us to this season because I see that happening to my mom. Every Friday I go to my mom’s assisted living place and sit with her as she eats her dinner. She always thanks me for sitting with her. What she once experienced as a full family table has now become a table for one or two. When I look around the room, I see so many individuals sitting alone. I guess this is the final season at the family table. Sitting alone at a table with only the memories of days gone by.
Believe me, I am not saying these things to gain sympathy, I am stating it as I see the seasons I have gone through and the ones I am heading towards. I am saying this so that I might encourage you to hold on a little tighter to those “last moments” the ones that slip away unnoticed and soon forgotten. Hold on to those times at the family table! And, if you are able, make those times intentional! With the Holidays coming up, be sure to make this a season of remembering the gathering of those gone before us, or maybe those unable to get to the table, or those who no longer have a family table, but share a room with single tables who miss the gatherings.
As you each enjoy your season at the family table may you remember these words by George Washington Carver, “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.”
Blessings to you at your family table!
Having been raised in a Christian home, I came to know the Lord personally at the young age of 5. There have been many roads and journeys the Lord has taken me on in the over 60 years I have walked with Him. Some of those roads have been on the mountain tops and some have taken me to dark valleys and through it all He has been faithful. I met and married my husband at the young age of 21 and we will be celebrating 44 years of life together this summer! We have 4 children (4 “in-loves”) and as of now, we have 12 grandchildren. My joy is spending time with my family, and I am known for my “Mimi Camps” that I have been having for the past 12 years this year! It is always a highlight of my summer! I get to spend three days and two nights with all my grands that are 5 and up and that always gives us great memories of fun together.
Over the past years, I have also experienced the joys and sorrows of aging parents/grandparents and having to say goodbye to a few. I miss those who have passed dearly. God is still teaching me how to deal with this stage of life/death as my mom is 93 and very ready to be Home. I started my writing journey during Covid in 2020 as I was, like everyone else, shut away at home and desired an outlet to reach and encourage people with thoughts and ramblings that would point us to Christ and to trust and rest in Him. That is when my “Random Thoughts and Ramblings” blog was created. Last year I would write a “word” to uplift and encourage, and maybe share a bit of wisdom or insight to those who would read my words. My hope is to hopefully bless those needing a reminder to look to Christ in all seasons of life through my blog, Facebook, and Instagram.
Two years ago, I “retired” from 20 years of teaching piano in my home to hundreds of students who have left indelible impressions on my heart…I do miss them and feel so much joy when I hear of their musical journey. Since retiring, I have been learning how to navigate this new “season” of life. God is so good in directing me to be involved in my church and being able to be with family and friends.
My hope and prayer for the future is to continue to write devotionals and that if it encourages just one person to look to Christ for peace and rest, God will be glorified. I am hoping that at some point, I will be able to make a hard copy of my writings to give to anyone who is in need of a little encouragement and hope. In my free time, I love to read, play Pickleball, paint, and garden and I’m always up for a cup of coffee and great conversation! You can find me at Random Thoughts and Ramblings on Facebook, @mizenersharon on Instagram, and at www.sharonmizenerwrites.wordpress.com
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1 thought on “Seasons at the Table”
I really enjoyed Sharon’s story. I am inspired by her quest to embrase each season of life and to reflect God’s love and kindness to her family and others..