| Guest Post by Brad Cathey |
When you eat do you dine or do you fuel? In his insightful book on the philosophy of eating,The Hungry Soul, Leon Kass makes the distinction between “dining” and what he calls “fueling.” He describes the latter as grabbing a hotdog from the street vendor, detouring through a McDonalds’s drive-up, or even standing over the sink with a bowl of Cheerios on the way out the door. He contrasts that with dining—sitting down to a meal, hopefully with other people, and taking the time to savor the food, the wine, the conversation, the traditions, and the people you are with.
Granted, we can’t sit down for every meal, and not everyone has the luxury of other people to join them—but you can try. Even at the office we have an unspoken “policy” of gathering in our lunch room for a communal meal, no matter how simple it is. It is a break from the work day, a time to enjoy the simple pleasures of eating, and to engage in the life of others.
We’ve heard the explanations of why people in France live longer and have lower obesity rates—they take the time to enjoy their meals. And then there are the studies that show children in families who eat together do better in school and are overall more healthy. “Dining” has been proven to be better for both the body and mind.
Even Jesus modeled this for us: dining with Zacchaeus in his home, or eating with Matthew and his friends, breakfast on the beach with a few of the disciples, even reclining with the Pharisees. We know that meals and food marked important occasions for him, and will in the future: the wedding at Cana, the Last Supper, and the promised Heavenly Banquet.
Ah yes, that Heavenly Banquet. I can only begin to imagine: not only the food and wine, but the company of Jesus, all the saints, our brothers and sisters gathering around the table. No more fast food, cheap wine, or eating alone. An eternity of dining at the table of the Lamb. So, why not get a little taste of that on this side of glory—sit down with your family or friends and enjoy a meal together—and dine!
- set specific meal days and times
- plan your meals and have everything on hand.
- turn off the TV and computers
- ban the phone (must be in your pocket and silent)
- make an effort to make healthy, tasty meals
- refrain from controversial topics
- ask a blessing, show gratitude
- teach manners and civility
- assign tasks such as setting and clearing the table
Am I fueling or dining in my home? In my devotions?