Breaking Bread. More than just a meal.

Picture courtesy of flickr

In America we associate the phrase, "breaking bread" with Christian or religious services.  This is a mistake that hurts our society very dearly.  The truth is the practice of eating together predates Christianity by many thousands of years.  In pagan times, people would actually eat a meal with their enemies.  This was a sign of mutual respect and often led to more peaceful resolutions.  Something happens when you sit at a table with someone else and share a meal that is a basic need to all parties at the table.  The Jews then used the eating of unleavened bread to remember when God freed them from Egypt.  Again, this is people sitting at a table to share in the need for basic foods and remember a shared history that was vital to their lineage.  Then Jesus marked the eve of his crucifixion with the sharing of bread and a meal.  They shared more than a meal, they shared a memorable moment that would change their lives and eventually catapult their beliefs around the world.

Unfortunately, we Americans don't get the more significant meaning of sitting down and sharing a meal.  We literally eat on the run.  And when we do sit down to eat, we act like we are in a race.  Because we don't sit down and eat with others we are missing out on so many benefits of breaking bread with others.  Sharing a meal is also sharing life.  Food is a basic necessity and so is love and companionship. When eating at a table you are sharing your life in many ways.  Taking the time to speak and listen creates bonds that are much needed for our feeling of self worth.  It also gives your food time to digest and prevents over eating.  There aren't many people to talk to in the fast food drive through line and swallowing that burger on the Interstate is not doing any favors for your stomach.  Europeans seem to have a better grasp on the concept of eating together.  Did you know that most European cars have no cup holders?  They don't eat on the run and they take at least an hour to eat a meal.  Scientific studies show that Europeans don't have the obesity problem we do.  So scientist study the food they eat to try to see the difference.  When they should be looking at the way they eat instead.  In America, food is all about speed.  We want to get our food, shovel it down, and get on with life.  When in all reality life is sitting at the table with you waiting to be shared.

Dinner courtesy of flickr

When was the last time you sat at your own kitchen table with your entire family?  When was the last time you had a sit down lunch with an old friend?  What's stopping you from inviting that new family in the neighborhood to eat at your table?  Most people say, "If you want friends, you need to be friendly.".  I say if you want to build lasting relationships sit at a table with someone and eat a meal.  Take your time.  Don't be in a rush.  Put your fork down and ask questions of your kids, friends, or guests.  Share your life with people along with your life giving food.  Make "breaking bread" a habit and great relationships will follow.  The secret to life is to have a heart as full of joy as your belly is full of food.  I hope you have a great meal and even greater company at your table today.