Dinner as a family

I really enjoy doing things together with a small group of people.

I also really enjoy doing things independently. I like being alone and one of the most refreshing thing for me to do is have a meal alone.

But I've come to this conclusion. I arrived at it last night. To be together as a family is to experience life. Its refreshing and wonderful.

I was invited to a friends house for dinner last night. Molly and Shirley are students from China studying in the states for a few years. We have gotten to hang out a few times and they have been telling me they wanted to cook for me. So, we finally worked it out!

I got to their apartment at about 6. They greeted me and were so excited to have me--I could see it in their face! Shirley was sitting in the living room with me while others were cooking and we got to talking. A few other people were there (some of which I knew and others that I was meeting for the first time) and the thought crossed my mind. I bet they are not doing anything different for me than what they normally do. Thats not a slam, its more of a compliment to them. I was thinking that they had invited me into their family they have here in Tuscaloosa.

"Shirley, do you guys cook like this a lot" I asked.

"Every night. We like to be together" She told me.

I wonder if she noticed my long pause trying to think of something to say. I was caught off guard even though it was what I expected! I was just amazed that every night they had somewhere to go for dinner. I'm sure it varies who shows up, as they might have something going on at night, but they are there. They are a community. They have become a family.

Sure, you could say that because they are in another country they 'need' each other, but do we not also 'need' one another? I was just in awe of how they do life together. They are in each others lives and they love being around each other.

I was honored really to be invited in for a night to share a meal with them. It was wonderful. It made me wish that we, as Americans, weren't so plan oriented. We always have to have a start and end time, set a certain date, and we are schedule driven. It might not fit into our lives if we don't do it that way. It seems so confining and guarded. Their life is free.

It came full circle when Daniel (a chinese student) asked me about Lucy. You see, about a week ago, Lucy got sick and needed a ride to the health center so I took her. When I got to her house to get her, Daniel was there. He wasn't about to leave her side until she was well. Where as all I did was do my duty I guess. Him asking about her reminded me of how much they care for one another.

Some of these students know Jesus, some of them don't. Either way, I'm thankful they are painting a picture for me of Jesus in other's lives. I'm thankful to have them as friends. I look forward to more dinners as a family..