Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "The Journey: A Calendar Book"

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Calendar Books by Allen James reading for June 26th from "The Journey: A Calendar Book", 

"Enjoy a good meal" (James, 2012)

Now I know upon first reading today's posting there may be a resounding, "HUH?" But again, it's another of those "obvious" which is taken for granted. I'm not just saying, "Enjoy a good meal"...I'm saying, "ENJOY a good meal". This consists of much more than just having favorite foods.

Long gone are the days of sitting around the family dinner table sharing a meal. Since the arrival of the TV dinner in the early 1950s, the migration from the dining room to the TV trays in the living room/den was inevitable. And we all know in the 21st century most "meals" are "enjoyed" while on the go; a protein bar here, a yogurt there, fast food in the vehicle. Along with the loss of the family meals as well went the gathering together of the family to share their days and connect with one another.

Enjoying a "good meal" means not only savoring the flavor and healthfulness of the foods we eat, but also savoring the time of relaxation which comes with the "good meal". 

"Back in the day" (a phrase I all too often here more and more as I "mature), or, "In my day", all  10 of us (Mamaw lived with us at the time), were EXPECTED to be at the table, hands washed, in our regular seats, at meal time.  Even as I was in my teens, my father having been a career military man, we followed understood "rules"; the "God is great, God is good, let us thank him for our food.  By his hands, we are fed, bless this meal oh Lord we pray", was said before each meal on a rotating basis, oldest to youngest; food was passed from left to right; if someone asked, "Pass the potatoes", the word "Please" best follow, and if one decided to grab a serving prior to passing whatever had been asked to be passed across the table, the consequences weren't enjoyable (Once I used the salt and pepper before passing it to whomever had asked for it and spent the remainder of the meal on the couch in the living room holding the glass salt and pepper shakers, only to finish my meal after everyone else finished).  Nobody else minded, save my mother, who usually cringed at the strict discipline but supported her husband wholeheartedly, (in front of us anyway) as there were always a set of shakers at both ends of the large table as well as two sticks of butter and two plates of white bread.  There was always plenty to go around.  I question today how in the world it was accomplished, rearing such a large family, on only a retired 1st sergeant's retirement check.  Then when finished with our meals we always asked, "May I be excused please?"  Then took our plates and glasses to the kitchen, scrapped anything left on the plate (and there best be only crumbs) into the trash can and stacked them beside the sink.  Although it may sound horrific to some, we can see today how the discipline of the past could serve generations since much better than the, "Do what you please" attitude of following generations.

Family meal time teaches proper manners, social skills, communication skills while strengthening relationships between parents/children and siblings; and also allows for the appropriate digestion of foods.

A "good meal" is much more than a stop for fast food on the go. A "good meal" is much more than satisfying our need for nutrition. A "good meal" is something in today's world which comes much too seldom but is much too needed.

Enjoy a good meal....REALLY enjoy a good meal, and find out what you're missing out on. Then you'll question less, "What ever happened to the American family". 

Keep looking up.   : )  AJ