There is a definitive calling, that unmistakable voice drawing me close.  God beckons me, and willingly I go.  The yearning God has placed in me to use my gifts and abilities to reach people, through encouragement and hospitality, with a simple meal around the table.

For quite some time I have found myself drawn to the idea of intentional community created around food.  I’ve always entertained at home, inviting all of the orphans and cast-asides (my people) for a Sunday dinner or the gluttonous Thanksgiving display.  There is no purity of motive in my hospitality.  Truth be told, I get all blessed up when my cooking skills are put to use.  The nobility of service to others doesn’t accompany me down the Organic produce aisle, or past the grass fed beef and free range chickens.  I have come to learn at least this much – God has gifted all of us, and when we use those gifts willingly, Grace pours onto us like the warmth of the afternoon sun, and leaves it’s golden glow to brighten our spirits for days.  Selfish me.

I first became aware of intentional community through a public television documentary.  This meeting of people, a huge pot of homemade vegetable soup, and donated crusty loaves of bread from the local bakery intrigued me.  As the film rolled on, I found myself completely drawn in.  More than a passing interest, being drawn was something much deeper and quite obviously, not my own doing. When you are open to opportunities, and look expectantly for the goodness, it finds you. I began to pray about my desire to create intentional community around food, and the use of my culinary skills for the greater good.  Over the course of the last several months, the yearning for this community has deepened, and so did my commitment to pray.  That’s when it happened.

An acquaintance posted a photo of her new home and the big wooden table on social media.  Christening the wooden farmhouse dining table were friends gathered for a summer evening meal.  Wondering if the homeowner was even remotely interested, I pitched my idea of intentional food community around her old, wooden table.  Like I said, when you’re open to good things, hold on!  Her response was immediate and heartfelt.  “Yes, when, how, who?” I volunteered to be the organizing chef and she will be the hostess.  If the group continues on a regular basis I would like to name it “The Table”, or perhaps “Intentional Table”.

My intention is that when people leave at the end of the evening, they will be filled with gratitude for an incredibly uplifting evening of good company, lively conversation, and great food.  What else could I ask for really, than to use the gifts that God has given me in the service of others. The sole purpose is the joy of it.

Grace is defined as “unmerited favor, or “a simple prayer said before a meal”.  “Thank you Lord for this food, let’s eat!”.  Amen and amen.