The Dining Table

So, there is one precious space in a house for the family... Well, we all know that a house will have the living room or rest room, few bedrooms, bathrooms and the kitchen but, I think, the most "alive" spot for a family in the house is the dining room!

But, "why" dining room?.. I'm thinking that when we normally buy a house, we usually don't really pay much attention to the dining room as compare to the other places around the house, because well, literally it (the dining room) doesn't give you many things...😅. I will just say that it gives you only a table in the middle with a set of 4 chairs or, may be 6 chairs or, even up to 8 chairs placed around the dining table.., and that's it! 😆. And, it feels so plain and simple type of space in the house! Well yes, it may be just a table and chairs but the dining table brings togetherness among the family, don't you think?

Anyway, let me tell you about my dining table's story that has been with our family for almost 40 years now. It was a rectangle shape table made of wood with set of 6 chairs altogether, and yes, it still serves the entire family greatly until today!.. And, my mom would only change the cover or wrapper on top of the dining table once in a few years time to keep the table's surface away from any scratches, marks, or scars, as well as to keep its surface clean.

We all know about the dining table is the ideal spot where we can have our meals together with the family, as well as enjoy eating good foods with friends and relatives, and even neighbours.. And, also a special place to feel thankful for the food that has been prepared for everyone 🙏.. And then, we start to tell stories... Different stories each time... Stories that make us laugh or cry. Stories that make us feel emotional as to trigger happy or sad feelings. And, stories that can bring us many memories... Hence, if you can ask the "dining table" and, as if it can talk to you, I agree that it can tell you about all the stories that it heard or has listened to in the past nearly 40 years!

Well yes, we enjoy delicious food and telling stories in between... And, I'm not surprise that my mom likes to prepare food and to make sure that our dining table must always have plenty of food 😅. Especially, she loves to make her special dinuh for tea time! 😜. It doesn't have to be something heavy but simple and light meals to chill and relax. And also, to communicate among the family at the same time.

So, about the dinuh thing...😂. First, I apologize for I do not know how to tell you about my mom's favourite dinuh, actually 😆.. It's obviously, no English word to describe for it, because that dinuh word is actually a local dialect used in our own language.. :) Anyway, I can just tell you that this dinuh thing is one of the old-time traditional cakes that mom likes to make and enjoy eating at tea time.

The dinuh is originally made from glutinous rice that has been pounded into flour and then mixed with coconut milk, a little bit of sugar and salt to taste. And just mixed all the ingredients until soft white dough is formed. Then, take some small amount from dough and form them into any shapes with your hands, and then just fry them in the cooking oil until they turned brown. When they're done, just lift them up from the hot oil and let dry. And finally, they're ready to serve!.. It's the most delicious when you eat while it's still hot 😋. Thus, having those mom's dinuh served together with corns, watermelons and other foods during tea time on the dining table is a bliss!

I think, our dining table not only meant for eating meals because sometimes we do our schoolwork or homework on the dining table too! So, you will see there are lots of messy things around on table. We put our books, papers, cards, pencils, coloured pencils, crayons and also our toys 😁.., little toys, legos, word scramble games and even little dried flowers for the school project things 😅.. Anyway, I choose to do all of those things on the dining table as it's wide enough for me to put all things as there are more toys than books actually 😂.., and also there is plenty of food to eat! 😋.

Thus, from eating foods to telling stories, to playing toys and, doing schoolwork or homework.., throughout all those years.., our old dining table sees everything... And, it knows how time has passed and things have changed. Eventually, it brings lots of old time memories within the family.

So, each time I am at home and sit at our family dining table once again, I come to remember about all kinds of our family stories that the dining table would tell me... And, it really does amaze me as it knows every little secrets in the family!

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity. - Acts 2:46