Breaking Bread

G and Poppy

In my mind today I am thinking of breaking bread. This was something Ken and I were always adament about with our family. We always ate together around the table, no devices, and enjoyed each others company sharing our day. Breaking bread with each other is such a beautiful example of human communion.

If you have not noticed, it is Lent. These 40 days before Easter we do our best to become closer to God. Many people give up sweets or favorite drinks. Some give up technology. The flip side to this is instead of giving up something try to give of yourself in some way. One year I gave a bag full of items a day to the local shelter. So 40 bags of stuff were donated. Another year I tried to go to church each time there was mass. Remember that the Catholic Church has church every day, but some parishes take at least one day off during the week. So I could literally go to church 6 days a week for 40 days. This year I am attending a Bible study on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. The Bible study is based on the seven deadly sins and the seven heavenly virtues. Lent is a time for Christians all over the world to work on their vices and virtues.

I understand that many of you are in the mist of survival. Spring is coming and so many families are busy. There are baseball and softball practices as well as soccer practices. It's so hard to juggle all of the trappings of being a parent. So if there's nothing else you could squeeze into your schedule, remember to just break bread with one another especially if you are busy and meeting yourself coming and going. Even if you eat out or get takeout, bring it home and sit around your table. I think a lot of Americans are not taking time to commune with each other especially at meal times. Our table is less crowded now because our little birds have flown the nest, but when they are home it is fabulous. To see a family gathered around the table enjoying one another is such a beautiful sight. Each morning I drink my coffee and eat my breakfast with my husband as I watched through the big window at the children scurrying for school. I remember those days. They go by too quickly. This is a time in our liturgical calendar to focus on what God wants in our lives. If the rat race has you down, remember you can still break bread with one another. Listen to each other. Look at each other. Work on those family ties. They are so precious and if done right they are so strong. Remember that "if you want to change the world, go home and love your family." (Mother Teresa aka St. Teresa of Calcutta)

Sarah Anderson Alley

Sal the Breaking Bread Gal

"When we sit at the table, there is more going on than satisfying hunger. It is sad to think of those who eat simply to satisfy their hunger and who do not permit themselves to linger under the many spells offered by a good meal - the satisfaction of our hearts, our minds and our spirits."

Leo

Buscaglia

"When we sit at the table, there is more going on than satisfying hunger. It is sad to think of those who eat simply to satisfy their hunger and who do not permit themselves to linger under the many spells offered by a good meal - the satisfaction of our hearts, our minds and our spirits."

Anthony Bourdain