This month I've enjoyed studying the meals of Jesus in preparation for a sermon on "Love...Eats With." At one point, my investigation with the intentional ways Jesus 'did theology' by 'doing lunch' coincided with a glimpse ahead to my next life stage (next fall) - the empty nest.
One of the books I read in my research was Joanne Thompson's "Table Life: Savoring the Hospitality of Jesus in Your Home." She writes this tidbit about my next life stage, which may be yours today:
"Jesus calls us to embrace interdependence with other people in all seasons of life (in part through table fellowship with other Christians and those who don't know Jesus). Each season brings new challenges. But one season has a unique opportunity to unleash love using an open table. Empty nest. Or what one writer prefers to call the rearranged nest.
Many empty nesters feel the pinch in a new role as the sandwich generation. Caring for aging parents and making room for possible boomerang adult children is an exhausting stretch that often limits hospitality.
But this is a season when the opportunity for hospitality knocks at our doors.
We need mature adults in Christian community who use their new time of life to include a passionate commitment to table life. Where you particularly take risk and invite younger generations to catch the life, love, and wisdom of Jesus around your table."
