Connecting

by Charleen Burghardt

When visiting friends in Belgium, we experienced that their mealtime could take several hours. They did not rush but leisurely ate and shared about their day or life events. They chatted, told stories, and laughed without hurrying to the next course. For us, we relaxed and appreciated the conversation. Our gracious hosts found joy in being together by offering food and fellowship; they prioritized connecting with those around the table. Absolutely delightful.

Lingering meals

I wondered if lingering meals that give space for personal conversation could benefit the soul, even healing the soul. Face-to-face conversation during a meal allows time to communicate thoughts and tell of proud moments, and even share defeats and fearful worries. It provides time to listen to one another while enjoying the meal without the distraction of hurrying to the next activity, responding to email demands, or checking social media feeds. Instead, the focus is on those whose chairs surround the table allowing for listening to take place, banter, feelings to share, and responding to what is said. We all need to be heard, recognized, and affirmed. I know when someone listens to me, I feel valued. So maybe taking more time during meals with the enriched conversation of attending to each other helps mental health. I wonder.

Face-to-face conversation

Being influenced by our European friends, I try to create a comfortable atmosphere when I serve a meal to encourage mutual sharing. Cooking a meal gives me joy and hopefully delights the taste buds of those who partake, but I also desire fellowship around a meal to satisfy the soul. Sharing the day’s happenings can be a way to process the events of the day as well as making space for expressing emotions such as frustration. We all need that. Listening to another helps us get our minds off of ourselves. We all need that. Connecting on topics, connecting on an emotional level, or connecting through laughter nourishes us like a spring rain nourishes the earth.

Take time to connect

I am not a psychologist, but I wonder if being together for a meal with the purpose to fellowship and giving each person an opportunity to connect can heal the soul and lead to better mental health. We all need someone to listen to us, recognize us, and affirm us.

Listening gets our mind off of ourselves

Think about creating space for friends and family to express their hopes, dreams, concerns, and triumphs. We need each other! Allowing time for listening and talking doesn’t have to be during a meal but can be in different ways, such as having coffee or walking in a park. In this individualistic society, we tend not to think of community; however, we need community. Just maybe, mental health will improve as we find ways to connect. We need each other! Find ways to connect with others. It may not be over a meal, but some other way. In this individualist society, we do not think of community: however, we need community.

How can you creating space for others to be heard, recognized and affirmed

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)

I depend on a few go-to recipes when I make a meal for a family gathering; one favorite is Taco Soup. My family looks forward to this delicious, spicy dish with shredded cheese and corn chips. It is easy; I make it in the crock pot in the morning, and it is ready by dinner, the aroma filling the house. Because this crockpot meal is a simple, no-fuss meal, I don’t have lots of work to get the meal on the table. In addition, having a simple one-dish dinner frees me to enjoy my guests.

For fun, I thought I would share the recipe.

I acquired this recipe from a friend, Jeanne Lassetter when she served it at a church potluck. Since then, I often make Taco Soup when I deliver a meal to someone sick or who has had surgery.

Taco Soup

1 to 2 lbs. ground beef                            1 can corn
1 can pinto beans                                    1 can kidney beans
1 small can green chilies (optional)     1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 package taco seasoning                      1 pkg Ranch dip
1 to 3 cups water                    

 
Brown ground beef.  Drain off the grease.  Add taco seasoning and Hidden Valley Ranch Dip.  Put in the crock pot.  Add all remaining ingredients, do not drain corn or beans.  Cook on slow for several hours.  Serve over tortilla chips.  Sprinkle cheese on top.

Jeanne Lassetter, Crossroad Baptist Church

Feel free to copy and paste this recipe. If you try it, I would love to hear from you.

Find ways to connect with others. It may not be over a meal, but some other way. In this individualist society, we do not think of community: however, we need community.

I would love for you to share this post and try the recipe. Love to hear your comments.

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