the Glocal Trekker Blog

When Nikki and I first got married, we bought a sturdy oak table and chairs. It isn’t formal. It’s a kitchen table--and ruddy. It’s very thick, country looking, strong, and 25 years old. The finish is peeling everywhere, but I don’t want to refinish it. There's a spot on it where Jill marked it up. Another spot is where a friend, Dennis Jeffares, came over and I microwaved some stuff and put a hot dish on the finish and stained it. Every stain and nick on that table has a story of a life decision. At that table, a young Vietnamese girl discovered who God was. At that table, a young prince wept upon hearing about the murder of his uncle. At that table, my kids studied--until 2 days ago. At that table, we ate supper every night and talked to our kids about what was going on. At that table, my son told me when he was developing his own thoughts that he wasn’t sure he believed in God, as I did. His faith wound up stronger as a result of his doubts. When I look around that table, I see family, friends, and musicians--even world leaders--who have sat there as we made conversation. More life has happened around that table than any piece of furniture we have. That table is a picture album to my mind of stories, phases, decisions. Nope--we’re not going to refinish that table any more than I’d draw a beard on my Mom!