Lunch After Church: A Time for Spiritual Conversations

Part 4 of this series, The Power of Presence: Being There Matters, highlighted the importance of simply being there. Today, I want to focus on a tradition that has become a cherished part of my life: lunch after church.

For years, my wife, Wendy, and I shared this tradition. When our niece and nephews started attending church with us, they joined in—unless there were scheduling conflicts or other reasons they were not able to go. Since Wendy’s passing, this time has become even more significant. It’s more than food; it’s about building faith, fostering connections, and deepening the bonds of family.

A heartwarming scene inside a black Ford F150 truck. A bald, chubby 62-year-old uncle is driving, while his 12-year-old niece with long dark brown hair and eyeglasses sits in the passenger seat, playfully rolling her eyes at his question. Sunlight streams through the windows, adding warmth to the humorous moment. — When family drives turn into playful eye rolls and cherished moments. 🚗❤️

Sharing Spiritual Lessons Over Lunch After Church

Lunch after church isn’t just about eating. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the morning’s message and discuss how it applies to daily life. Wendy always asked the kids what they learned in Sunday School or Youth Church. She loved helping them connect the lessons to their own lives.

Now, I carry on that tradition. I ask what they learned and guide the conversation toward practical application. For example, if the lesson is about forgiveness, we talk about ways to show grace in school or with friends.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (NLT). These discussions help me fulfill that biblical responsibility by encouraging them to walk with Christ.

A playful scene inside a black Ford F150 truck. A bald, chubby 62-year-old uncle sits in the front driver's seat, glancing back with a playful expression. In the backseat, a 9-year-old boy with medium blonde hair, seated on a booster seat, blushes with a shy smile, reacting to a humorous question. — When your uncle’s questions turn the backseat into the hot seat! 😂❤️

Building Family Bonds at Lunch After Church

But lunch isn’t all serious. It’s also a time to laugh, tease, and enjoy being together.

- I ask my niece about her boyfriends and watch her roll her eyes with sass and a hand on her hip.
- I ask my youngest nephew how many girlfriends he has this week, and he grins ear to ear.
- My oldest nephew keeps us entertained with his endless questions and animated stories.

These moments of laughter and connection remind me of Ecclesiastes 3:13: “And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God” (NLT). God blesses us with these simple yet profound moments of joy.

A chubby bald man with a very short gray goatee drives a pickup truck. In the front passenger seat, a 12-year-old girl with long straight dark brown hair, glasses, and a solid-colored princess-style dress leans back to hand corn dogs to two boys in the backseat, one 12 years old with light blonde hair and the other 9 years old with medium blonde hair, both eating corn dogs. — A joyful family moment on the way to church, sharing corn dogs and smiles.

A Time of Togetherness

When the kids can’t join me, the day feels incomplete. It’s not just the absence of their voices; it’s the missing connection. Lunch after church isn’t just a meal—it’s a time to grow closer, share our faith, and celebrate the gift of family.

Psalm 133:1 says, “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” (NLT). This verse beautifully captures the heart of our Sunday lunches.

A lively scene at a dining table with a chubby, bald 62-year-old uncle listening attentively to a 12-year-old boy with almost white blonde hair. The boy is gesturing wildly with his hands, animatedly telling a story. — When the table becomes a stage for wild hand gestures and even wilder stories! 🗣️😂

Make the Most of These Moments

Whether it’s lunch, a walk, or a quiet moment at home, take time to connect with the kids in your life. Ask about their day, encourage them in their faith, and enjoy the blessing of being together.

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