A Seat at the Table

A framed picture hangs on the wall right next to our kitchen table. The picture is of a long table surrounded by chairs of all different colors, sizes, and styles. In the top right of the picture, above the table, is a quote, “There is ALWAYS a place for you.” These words are a sweet reminder of moments and conversations my family of six has engaged in gathered around our table. Moments filled with laughter and tears, conversations about the future, and celebrations of the present. That promise of a forever spot at our table captures how valuable each person who sits around it is and represents the authentic community we’ve built there as a family.

Talking and learning about community this month has reminded me of everything our table has witnessed. All the faces that filled those chairs to engage in Bible study or countless conversations about marriages and parenting struggles. I can’t necessarily remember the books we covered or the meals we ate, although undoubtedly delicious. But I do remember the authentic relationships that formed around that table. The courage to be vulnerable, even when it was uncomfortable, helped build community and lead to conversations I am so proud to have been part of. All of these people, too, will always have a place at our table.

This is one reason we encourage mentors to hold mentoring meetings at their homes, ideally around a table. Meeting here allows everyone to get into each other’s personal space. Being in this space together produces an element of exposure and leads to the vulnerability and authenticity-filled conversations that are so critical to the mentoring process. But this only works when your mentees know there will always be a place for them at your table.

So, as you get ready for your next meeting, think of one intentional thing you can do to build deeper community with your mentees. If you need help or ideas, one of our Collectively Speaking conversations from last year was all about building community. You can watch it here.

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