An Idea for Family Dinner Conversation

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Where is the best place to develop Christian character, learn to pray, and become acquainted with the Bible? The answer, of course, is – in the home. The home is the first and best place to learn the important lessons of the faith and the virtues necessary to live productively in the world.

I came across an interesting practice this past week in a book written by a pastor of the last century. He was sharing how he and his wife developed faith, trust, and communication in their family. They used the evening mealtime as an important time for developing faith and family connection. While meals are sometimes hard for families to coordinate, they are perfect times to develop bonds of affection among members of the family.

One of their practices was to share “Interesting Things.” Each person took turns sharing something interesting that had happened to them in the last twenty-four hours. It might be something good like a good grade or a hit at the baseball game. It might be something traumatic, like hurt feelings or a tough problem for one of their friends. It became such a highlight of the family time together that the family determined to impose a fine, of 25 cents, on anyone who did not share. Hardly anyone, however, ever opted out.

What a great idea for families! It is a non-threatening way for families with children of all ages to encourage sharing. The hope, in families, is that we will open our hearts, just a little, to one another, so that each one knows something of what is going on in the others’ hearts. If we have non-threatening ways to share, most of us will do so. In fact, we long to have a place to share our hearts and have someone who will listen to us.

It is important to develop the ability to listen to one another, especially in families. We can easily get wrapped up in our own worlds and forget the needs of other family members. Having a structured time of sharing and listening is a great way to encourage the willingness to open up to others and to be good listeners to those who do.

I would recommend the practice of sharing “Interesting Things” at the dinner table, especially if you have children at home. Or when the grandchildren come to visit.