In our home we have something called "The Special Plate". This plate is reserved at meal time for the family member or guest who is celebrating something in their life. It is one of the Kirby ways of honoring that individual.
For instance, our oldest son, Nathan, began his freshman year of college this week, so to honor his special day, he got to eat with "The Special Plate" at dinner on his first day of classes. Around the edge of the plate are the words, Love, Joy, Delight, and Laughter. On the face of the plate it says, "Celebrate - It's Your Special Day!!!"
Over the years we've used the plate to celebrate birthday's, making the honor roll, scoring a winning goal, and many other milestone's in our family. It's always fun to see the reaction of visitors when they set down to eat with us and The Special Plate is setting on the table. First, many people still can't believe that we set down and eat dinner together as a family every night. Secondly, they think it's pretty cool that we celebrate the way we do. So do I.
I guess I'm always taken back when I hear our kids friends say that they never, or at least, hardly ever, sit down and eat dinner with their family. Growing up, my parents always made sure that we ate dinner together. They believed it was important that we sat down every day to talk, pray and eat dinner as a family. My wife and I believe that too.
Lately, I've been talking to people a lot about the simple pleasures in life. The Special Plate... I can't wait to see what it's used for next.
Be Well.
Bill
