Virtue Beings with a Spoon- A MUST Read!
March 23, 2010
I am so thankful that Jeff insist that we always eat meals together at the table. I am thankful that our social circle we are closest to also believes that eating at the table is important. Often when we entertain those who do not share our same spiritual beliefs, or family values, are surprised at the emphasis we put on at meal time, and some are even uncomfortable at the table, which is sad.
I love meal time, yes, the food is always good (we have some excellent cooks in our family), but what I LOVE the most is that it is where we always gather after a day of work. It is where we pray and talk. More world view, more virtue is taught at the table than any other time of our day. It is not so much the food that makes the meal, but those who are sharing it.
One thing that I have noticed in some young people, especially in their 20′s, if they have not been raised at the table with their family, or if they have removed themselves from fellowship from the table (regular meals with family) , their manners decline greatly; not only their table manners, but often their whole outlook on life becomes so self-centered and crude; they have no desire to “live in common” with anyone, because it is all about them!
From Fr. Patrick Reardon:
It is at home (domus) that human beings are — literally — “domesticated.” It is during meals that they increase, not only “in stature,” but also “in wisdom” (Luke 2:52). Here they acquire those patterns of affability, restraint, courtesy, and cultivated joy that prepare them for a wise life in a larger world.
In acquiring table discipline — which pertains to language and posture as well as eating — young human beings are instructed in the simple pleasures of what is called “conviviality.” This literally means “living in common.”
Indeed, it is arguable that the lessons learned at the family table are more fundamental to the pursuit of Wisdom than those learned in the classroom. It is at meals that souls are nourished, as well as bodies. It is largely from eating with the family that helpful information is conveyed and the foundational lines of character are formed.
You MUST read this whole article, Virtue Begins with a Spoon, it is EXCELLENT!!!
Topics: Etiquette, Family Tidbits, Homemaking, Hospitality, Parenting | 1 Comment »
Comments (1)
I am in total agreement with this article. My parents raised us to have decent table manners and a prayer was always said before the meal. With our children, it has been understood that we will pray before our meal, wherever we are at any given time. But it’s also important to do so in the same manner as at home and that means we don’t purposefully make a scene at a restaurant; pride needs to be kept in check!
There have been many times that my son (7) will be at someone else’s home for a meal and is being urged to start eating when he has to tell them, “But we haven’t prayed yet…” It has caused alot of people to pause a moment and listen to his very simple prayer, “Thank you, God, for this good food and drink. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Teaching kids to chew with their mouths closed, not making sounds of a pail-calf when drinking and not blurting out inappropriate talk that can turn stomachs are not easy things! But they’re do-able and so worthwhile.
Thanks for the neat article. We can’t be reminded too many times that these basic things add up to some really big things.