Greetings, Inspired Seekers!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and I hope you feasted well with those you love.

Many of you know that I was an Executive Chef in NYC and other places for many years. I loved the profession, the work, the artistry and the hospitality community. I have been thinking about that time in my life during this holiday season from a spiritual perspective and, well, that really changes everything.

So, let me begin by asking: who graced your tables this year, who was included and, well, who was not invited? Makes you think, right? Eating and, especially feasting is a social experience and one that is also an intimate one. Remember how you couldn't eat on that first date? I rest my culinary case. Well, here we are, years later, sill figuring out what to serve, who to include, how to arrange the seating and how tall the candles should be so that everyone can see.

In all traditions, gathering for meals is a social affair, even if it only includes 2 of us. But there are important things to consider when we view these gatherings through a spiritual lens.

In the Christian traditions, meals with Jesus were examples of sacred activism – inviting the disenfranchised and sharing the table with the “sinners” of the day were his jam. The call to renew, regroup and reframe is clear to us as we revisit these stories.

The Buddha traveled his world as a beggar, accepting sustenance as given with no consideration of backgrounds or beliefs, only the compassion of the giver. The Sikhs offer Langar daily – a meal, lovingly prepared, free for all, welcoming to any who appear, with floor cushions the only seating regardless of one's station in life.

These are examples of the power and unification of hospitality, of breaking bread together. In all of these traditions, at meal time, important work was done: healings, forgiveness, gratitude and compassion – miraculous gifts of the heart. These tables were open.

And yet, today, how sad that our tables have become smaller and limited to those who align with our political, religious and cultural views. Those who may have transgressed, well, there is no room for them. Most sad of all is that our houses of worship and the tables within have been used to separate who belongs and who doesn't, who is worthy and who is not.

Perhaps, as we ring in the New Year we can proclaim that this Table is not ours, we are here to serve and all are invited. So, set the extra place, offer an invitation, and extend a welcome.

My wish is to make 2026 a kinder year for all of us. Happy Everything!

Grace and Kindness,
Reverend Deborah

First Question of the Year: What will you do to make the New Year kinder?

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington joins all peoples at tables of celebration. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or at 215 260 1611.