When we first got married, we would often have the TV on at dinner time, watching the news or some favorite show. But somewhere along the line, we made it a policy to turn off the television while eating. After all, how can you have great conversation, share family stories, tell about your day, focus on one another, when the TV set is competing for your attention? (And compete it does! Have you ever watched people in a restaurant or a food court when a television is present?)
Instead, play some pleasant background music. Or even get crazy and have no sounds at all except for the voices of those at your table.
1) In our modern age, I'd have to include all technological gizmos in with the television. Let the answering machine handle phone calls. Turn off all cell phones. No texting. No blackberries. No computer. (Did I leave anything out?)
A few years ago, we had taken a day trip and had stopped to have a nice dinner on the way home. At the table next to ours in the restaurant was a young man and his wife and their two small children. During the entire meal, this man handled business on his cell phone, sometimes at the table, sometimes outside. What he did not do was connect with his wife or his children. Now maybe this was not a typical pattern for him. Perhaps there was a business emergency that needed his immediate attention, and most nights he chatted and joked and was with them. But I left the restaurant that night sad for his wife, sad for his children, and sad for him. They all missed an opportunity to be together, for although he was present in body, he was not there.
2) I am thinking that there are exceptions to the "no TV" rule. There are occasions when the movie or television show is the event. We eat pizza every Christmas Eve while watching "The Homecoming." Your family might eat chili while watching the Super Bowl. But most of the time, the mealtime itself is the event.
Let's eliminate distractions from the main event! Mealtime connections will make your house a home.
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Amen! Well said, well written. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteI second that "Amen!" We've not had a real TV since the first year we homeschooled, and dinner at the table was what happened most nights. Except for our "movie nights." Only trouble is they became more and more popular the past few years. Time to make dinner at the table the main event again. Thinking about dinner for two...
ReplyDelete:-)
I found your link at Brenda's (Coffee, Tea...) and because I was intrigued with your 31 Day idea you shared. Yes, I do like that idea.
ReplyDeleteMy first time visit... glad I stopped by.
Here's wishing you more glimpses of heaven in those unexpected places.....
In this day and age controlling our atmosphere is imperative! The possible distractions threaten to overwhelm all the positive efforts made. As you say, if it's food in front of a movie by choice occasionally, fun! But it needs to be intentional. Just as intentional needs be the meal at the table with something pretty in the middle with a candle, and no electronics!
ReplyDeleteYour story about the family at the restaurant... how sad.
Thanks again my wise, wise friend.
Blessings, Debbie