Shouldn’t eating out together as a family be a happy time? Especially starting the day with a hot, tasty breakfast with everyone together in the same place at the same time?
Yesterday, Nathan and I ate breakfast at a nearby restaurant that is popular for its homemade food. I was thinking how nice to have time with my grandson and to hear the happy chatter of fellow eaters, smell the coffee, and just have some one on one time with Nathan. It was indeed a good way to start the day.
A family came in and sat down at a table near us–a man, woman, and three little boys. The oldest was a teenager, the youngest probably six or seven years old. The thing I noticed first about them was that no one was smiling. I hoped nothing was wrong. They sat down, ordered, and the woman and two of the boys pulled out hand-held devices. I didn’t hear anyone talking. They were all watching the tiny screens in front of them.
We ate and left before they did but I doubt that they spoke a dozen words to each other. Although they seemed to be sitting together, their minds were engaged elsewhere. A picture of discontent. Or, of being absorbed in make-believe. Although they appeared to be present at the next table, I wondered where they were, really.
A Bible verse popped into my head. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” What a treasure to be together with family, the children who are like living, breathing gifts and are such fun. The table should have been filled with smiles and lively chatter. Yet, there they sat, staring at a small technological marvel, their treasure and their hearts appeared to be somewhere out in space.
I carried the image of that lonely family with me all day. I wondered, when they got back into their car, did they talk about anything? What did they do when they got home? Was there any togetherness? I hope they put their iPhones away and enjoyed the lovely fall day. Maybe I missed something, looking on from the outside, but it sure looked like a lonely family breakfast.
The family time in the picture is a memory I treasure. Far too infrequent are OUR times together.
Me too, Miss. It was a special time. Who knows if it’ll ever come again in just that way with the same people?
I just happen to know of a house on a lake that could use some new happy memories…
I have such fond memories of that lake house. It would be a delightful place to spend a few days with family but, who knows what will be happening then? It is, however, a good thought and I appreciate your thinking of it.