Down Came The Rain!
Table Talk
Setting the Table
You are welcome here. Come just as you are, bringing whatever is on your heart today. Take a few breaths, and allow yourself to be present in this moment.
Consider how, over time, a steady river has the power to change a mighty mountain.
“Out came the sun
and dried up all the rain,
and the itsy-bitsy spider
climbed up the spout again.”
― Children’s Nursery Rhyme
“Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength.”
– Ralph W. Sockman
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Food for Thought
One beautiful afternoon, my three-year-old niece wanted to take a wagon ride. Ever the obliging aunt, I went to get the wagon. I saw that it was covered in leaves and dirt, so I got out the hose to give it a good rinse. Most of the debris came off easily, but there in a corner of the wagon was a tiny spider who’d made its home and refused to budge.
Normally, I consider myself a pretty “bug-positive” person (a term coined by another niece), but at that moment, I was tired from playing with toddlers in the heat, and I knew that “wagon ride” equated to “nap time”. That spider had to go! I positioned my thumb over the mouth of the hose and aimed the water right at the spider’s web, thinking they’d both get washed away, and I could get on with cleaning the rest of the wagon.
However, when I stopped the flow of the water, I saw that, though I had successfully destroyed the web, the tiny spider was still alive! I watched as it uncurled from its defensive posture, shook the water off of its little spider legs, and stood straight up!
‘Really?’ I thought, ‘Stubborn little bug! Nothing another dose can’t fix.’ So, I hit it with another barrage of water – for a little longer this time – certain that the deluge would wash away the spider along with the remainder of its web.
But by golly, that spider didn’t go anywhere! It just stood right there, coughing and knocking water out of its little spider ears.
‘Dang!’ I thought, ‘what in the world is this spider made of?!’ As impressed as I was, this thing was holding me up, and all compassion flies out the window when nap time is on the line. So, I hit it again. And, again, the same thing! Another downpour of water, and it stayed put, holding tight to that corner of the wagon, determined not to be overtaken by the flood.
Suddenly, I felt a profound respect for the spider. Tiny in sight, but big in might, it amazed me with its fortitude, with its refusal to succumb to the overwhelming circumstances...or in this case, just a jerk with a hose.
I walked over and turned off the water. Then I grabbed a leaf, and gently lifted the spider out of the wagon to take it safely over to the grass. My attitude had completely changed toward this little creature – something that I, just a short minute ago, viewed as nothing more than an inconvenience, I now viewed as precious and worthy of protection.
My heart had been changed by its little spider strength.
I’ve often understood courage to be a big heroic act that makes a change. But, as my spider friend seemed to embody, courage can also be the gentle act of standing firm in the face of resistance in a way that it changes the hearts of those who witness it, hear about it, read about it. Because when you find the courage to face your obstacles, when you refuse to be overtaken by the flood, you have the power to influence those around you. Perhaps witnessing your courage will inspire another to harness their own, or perhaps it will cause a gentle shift in a heart in need of changing.
This kind of gentle strength is contagious. Courage is contagious. Compassion is contagious.
If the strength of one little spider can soften a heart of stone, just imagine what the strength of one incredible human can do!
Dare to do something that scares you! Maybe it’s signing up for a fun activity you’ve always wanted to try. Maybe it’s having a hard conversation you’ve been avoiding. Be brave, take heart, and have courage!
Intentionally learn about others’ stories of courage. As you read or listen, open your heart to the gentle shifts their story can spark within you.
If you would like a printable version of today’s reflection, you can find one in The Traveling Table eBook.
...and don't forget, the eBooks also include printable journaling pages, coloring pages, and Table Talk Cards!
Blessing
Loving God,
Give us courage to face the overwhelming obstacles before us. And soften our hardened hearts so that we may be changed by the courage we witness in others.
Amen.
A little Table Talk for your table...
Take few moments to consider strength and gentleness. Some may see these two as opposites, but others believe that gentleness is the expression of true strength. How do you view these two things and how have they operated in your life?
Have you ever found yourself facing circumstances that seemed insurmountable? What was it that gave you the strength to face your obstacle?
Share together a time when someone else’s strength or courage inspired you.
Try taking it to the Kids Table...
Discuss with your kiddo what it means to have courage.
Share with them a time that you were scared but found courage when you needed it.
Read a book together about courage and talk about the characters’ journeys.
Meet Our Welcoming Voice!
The Welcome Table Team - We are “The Bunce Girls!” Originally from Lexington, North Carolina, we were raised surrounded by music, justice, and faith. We spent most of our Sunday afternoons gathered around an open table with family and friends where the food was plentiful, stories and laughter connected our hearts, and where the presence of each individual was held sacred. It’s those moments that have inspired The Welcome Table.
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Here are Five Things to Remember When Setting Your Own Welcome Table!