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thankfulness and a vanilla slice

On a picture postcard morning, we sat by the bay at Kotor, Montenegro (I know, as you do). It was our last morning in this beautiful country, and I found myself trying to soak up every last bit of the view. Every last stone church dating back centuries, every last glimpse of the old town walls built by the Venetians 500 years or more ago, every boat full of tourists (like us) cruising past, and every last sight of the stunning mountains plunging almost straight into the sea.

And as I sat, enjoying a Krempita (a Montenegrin vanilla slice), I found myself profoundly thankful. Thankful for this astonishing world we live in, with all its beauty and wonder and variety. Thankful that in our own life we have the means occassionally to travel to such marvellous places. Thankful for all the stories that intersect in a place like this – where people come from near and far to enjoy its beauty. And thankful for the reasons we are here – marking 30 years of marriage and family with an adventure together, and sharing part of the trip with good friends. No life is perfect, but ours has been pretty good so far, and I was, in that moment, truly thankful.

Perhaps, I also thought, I’m not always thankful enough. Perhaps, I wonder, I could express that sense of thankfulness more often, more overtly – to Sheri, to our kids, to our wider network of family and friends.

Thankfulness (or gratitude) it occurred to me, is both something that can catch you by surprise, as it did for me this morning – or something you can practice, and cultivate. I’m sure there’s some research somewhere about that.

Anyway, as I enjoyed my breakfast by the sea, I was, and remain thankful, for many things.

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on meals, community, love and jesus

A message shared with Toowong Uniting Church in July 2017. Read John 13:31-35 first.

Last week, June 29 was Eat Together day in Canada.  A day when Canadians were invited to eat with neighbours, friends and colleagues, to see what happened. Watch this:

The official website introduces the idea like this: “When we eat together, good things happen. Whether its poutine, pad thai, paella, or pemmican. Nothing brings us together like eating together. We’re on a mission to make the world a better place by sharing a meal. It is time to stop watching and start acting! Join in on June 29th for Eat Together Day. Whether you eat with your neighbours, friends or family, make a time to eat together.”

It’s an invitation that is extended as part of Canada’s celebration of its 150th year as a nation. Other elements of the celebration include National Aboriginal Day, St Jean Baptiste day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day and Canada Day.  The film we just watched introduces the concept of eat together, and tells its own story. It’s a beautiful film, filled with funny, poignant moments. And it reflects many of those other elements of Canada 150.

I’m sure you that you, like me if you cast your mind back, can think of some memorable meals. Times and places where the table was the centre of a wonderful community time. Where conversation flowed as food was shared. Where the bonds of friendship were formed or strengthened.

There is something wonderful about sitting around a table and sharing together.

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