What do people gain from all the toil at which they toil under the sun? Ecclesiastes 1:3
Family meals can be hard work. There is the menu planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, cooking, and once the meal is over, washing the dirty dishes and finding space in the fridge for the leftovers.
The author of Ecclesiastes wrestles with the seemingly endless toil of our days.
Is there any benefit to the time spent in eating together or in preparing whole foods? Isn’t it just too much work, given everything else that demands our time and attention?
It is all about the relationships. What makes family mealtimes so memorable are the bonds strengthened by our shared work and eating together around one table.
There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in their toil. Ecclesiastes 2:24
This message is adapted from “Faith Reflections: Relationships around Food” by Jennifer Baker-Trinity in the February 2010 Lenten issue of Cafe.
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