Americans often miss the joys of life and intimate relationships because we are such a hurry to get to our next appointment. As a group of people I often think we are the most overscheduled and under developed in terms of deep relationships.
In many cultures, eating is not about the food first, but an excuse to connect with others. We have lost this connection point somewhere along the way in our culture.
There is even a whole subculture that I have noticed called the Slow Food Movement. It is a movement to center your life around what is important – relationships – while we eat. The event is the dinner not eating followed by an activity.
I am beginning to realize that Jesus must be a member of the slow food movement.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. Luke 24:30-31
Have you ever realized how many of the encounters people had with Jesus were around eating?
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. 1 Corinthians 11:25
I think Jesus likes just to hang out with us and in those times intimacy comes.
Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:2-3
What an intimate moment. I wonder if Mary had been in a large gathering of people waiting for it to be over so she could go to her next urgent appointment if she would have had the opportunity to pour perfume on Jesus’ feet.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20
Check this out, when we hear Jesus’ voice it says we will eat with Him! I think I always assumed I would conquer the world, do miracles, and save thousands. Nope, just eat with Him.
This is our reward. This is what is important to Him. I am starting to realize He did not die for me to save the world but to eat with me. Strange concept indeed.
Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb! – Revelation 19:9
All of our walking with God, living right, and ministering to others is going to end in a supper? Strange concept.
I guess it looks like if I want Jesus encounters filled with intimate moments I am going to have to slow down and just eat with Him.
Does He really just want to hang out with me enjoying life?
Do you think He is attracted more to me relaxing in His presence than moving in it?
If I just sit still and talk to Him will I really have Jesus moments?
Hmmm….I have to go now. I have a lot of work to do before I can slow down.
Craig Cooper 
This has got me thinking about the way it was and – the way IT IS in my life now; the GRAB AND GO FOODS I do a lot as a widow. The aging issues of chipped crowns on my molars and dental advice to cut everything smaller ….ends up with my breakfast ( a smoothie) in the Blender and Soups for supper and food chopper cold slaw.- Quick and convenient. The sad part is -I have LOST that 3x a day few moments – to Bless my food and thank the Lord for not only my daily bread, but His supplying me with my whole months groceries! Occasionally, I do actually SIT DOWN to eat and I do Thank Him and ask Him to Bless my food… remembering that “He is a husband to the widow” and does SO-O-O BLESS ME and All of us! Think about it – it’s the “face to face” sharing time.
In His right hand are Pleasures Forevermore – I can see His hand with a Hot Fudge Sundae in it ! Enjoy!
And thinking back to my teenage years when my sister Bobbi and I would walk the 6 blocks to the Ice Cream Store/ Soda Fountain to get and Ice Cream Cone and do a slower – walk / talk time on the way home.
Vicki – Sums it up – Craig!