The “Table”

The dining table has always been a symbol of many things: the place where we nourish ourselves, where we come together, celebrate important milestones, share experiences, and create new understandings.

I recently got rid of my dining table and chairs. In the process, I reflected with my family about all of our experiences we shared around the table. This table/chairs held a significance place in my home for over 20 years. It was the place we had family dinners, shared loving and sometimes heated discussions. My family and I disagreed of the exact date of purchase and we laughed about all the celebrations around the table for loved ones and friends and our dog! We reminisced about the different gatherings of people who sit at that table for celebrations and for times of sadness/comfort. A lot of financial discussions, informal meetings, board games played and meals took place there.

After 20 years, my table begin to show signs of wear and tear. Similar to my table, I have scrapes/scratches/dents from my past. From a distance or even close up they may not be that visible just like my table, but they are there. My table continued to function as we purchased it for with all the scratches/scrapes and worn areas. I ask myself am I functioning in the purpose in which God destined me to do? Or have I allowed my scars/scratches/scrapes from my life over the years hinder me from fulfilling my purpose?

Remember, we all have a purpose and destiny. The good news is that God already knew about every dent, scrape and scratch that we would experience in this life. Yet He still created and fashioned all of us to do good works with a specific purpose in mind. Even though I decided to get a new table and let go of the old one it still has a lot more to give to the next kitchen it will occupy. My table now occupies another family’s kitchen and I hope they make great memories as my family and I did around that table. As we move to that next place/season of our lives, I hope we all continue to fulfill the purpose of God for our lives even with our scrapes, scratches and dents.

Below are some tips for not allowing your scrapes/scratches/dents to hinder you from fulfilling your purpose:

1. Know You’re Not Alone. Every person in this world has their own scrapes/scratches/dents.
2. Ask For Help. …some of our scrapes/scratches/dents are not visible but just as real and can hinder us.
3. Feel Your Feelings but resist being led by them.
4. Accept Support. …two is better than one (Ecc 4:9-12)
5. Help Others. …getting our mind off ourselves helps to provoke gratitude in us.
6. Change your Perspective….some experiences may not feel good but are good for us in the larger scheme of things.
7. Finally, see yourself as God sees you. Your scrapes/scratches and dents don’t define you God does!

All the Best,

Dr. G