Family Dinner

 Yesterday was a rare occasion when all of us were home. Zig didn’t work. Charlie didn’t have sewing. Rob didn’t have class. So we were able to have a family dinner. It was perfect weather, so Zig requested we eat on the front porch. We balanced our plates on our laps and sat scattered about on the front porch. Talking about our days and watching the birds land on the feeder.

As a kid there was no question about whether or not we would eat as a family. It just happened. Broiled lemon pepper chicken, microwaved potato halves, and broccoli. That was the most common line up. I set the table. Heather made sweet tea and got ice in the glasses. Then we would sit and eat. Simple. 

We have a new baby, so I give myself a little grace for the current crazy. But I look forward to those occasional days when the kids know that we all need to slow down. When they congregate in the kitchen without me hollering up. They sit and linger over a second helping. They tell us about hard things happening in their day so we can all figure it out together. 

I remember slouching in my chair at dinner. Eating my drumstick and spreading my green peas around on the plate, listening to Heather make my parents laugh. My parents made some things seem so easy. Or maybe behind the scenes they were just as busy balancing life. Giving themselves some grace and taking the moments they could.