Reflection: Etched in the Table*
Growing up, we had a big family dining table. Let’s be honest — it mostly got used for homework, laundry and formed the roof of many impromptu cubby houses. Over time, the table became a bit scuffed and eventually had scratches (and teeth marks too).
In the same way, around the boardroom table, an organisation’s highs and lows, successes and failures all become etched into the grain of the table.
As I learned the stories from my host organisation’s board over the year, I came to realise how important they were. They helped tell the story of where the organisation had been and reminded them who they are.
This year my host organisation’s board faced a significant juncture, and these etchings served as signposts to where they needed to head in the future.
This kind of remembering and reminding was key for the people of Israel. When they knew who they were, they stayed on track. When they forgot who they were (and to whom they belonged), or forgot God’s faithfulness to them, they found themselves repeating the same mistakes over and over.
What are the stories that are etched into your ‘table’? What about God’s character do you need to be reminded of most?
Prayer: Lord, I praise you for your faithfulness! Help me to never forget the ways you have led me in the past.
*A thought from Lucy