1. I got a deal. OK, perhaps this is the most superficial of reasons, but we’ve all been guilty of this at one time or another. Have you ever returned home from an outing– bursting to show your newfound treasure to your husband so that he could add another tier to his “crown” (courtesy Prov. 12:4)–only for him to say, “Did you notice that it doesn’t work/can’t stand up/won’t fit in our house?” But this time isn’t like that!

2. It is seven feet long, which beats our recent dining accommodations. Have you ever noticed that stores only sell tables that seat 4-6? Eight seaters are ornate, glass-topped, nicely upholstered pieces that belong in the museum, err-I mean, formal dining room that NEVER gets used. Have YOU ever eaten in someone’s formal dining room? I truly believe that formal dining rooms are a conspiracy between builders who want to sell you more square footage and silk flower arrangers who need a market for their dust collectors.

3. It is a visual reminder of our invisible faith. My table has long, heavy benches so lots of bodies can squeeze in.Whether the LORD fills our table with more little wiggling bodies, fellow faith-filled sojourners, or strangers who has never tasted the Bread of Life, my prayer is that our table will always be too small. Here I stand before the LORD, arms heavenward, asking him to fill my cup to overflowing.

So, when are ya comin’ for dinner?