Table for One

During the months of the “shelter in place” that began March 15, 2020, I was living in a converted barn on a farm in rural SW Washington 2 miles from the church I served which was at least 25 minutes from a grocery store. For the first few months, as a very small team of us struggled to set up online worship, I personally found it difficult to find joy or even to wonder why someone might think that a sweatshirt on top of pajamas was not a viable fashion option. One day I had an epiphany. I was going to open a “restaurant’ in my barn. I would strive to make delicious 5- star meals on my best dishes and platters and become the chef and host to my only guest, me. The idea went from silly to fabulous pretty quickly. I thoughtfully chose, ordered and picked up groceries weekly, scoured my favorite cookbooks and made menus. I pulled out all my eclectic hand made platters and bowls as well as my odd pieces of fancy tableware. I made mosaic table pieces to put on top of table cloths. Then I began photographing my meals and sharing the photos on social media. At least three time I week, especially on the days I woke up a little down, I’d give myself a pep talk and create a meal that became known as “Table for One.” This act of kindness towards myself ALWAYS improved my mood. My tiny galley kitchen overflowed with dishes, sauces and scraps of dough yet when the food hit the table it began to look like a delectable art piece. Soon, the pictures I was sharing began to attract attention. My friends complimented the photos, asked for recipes, and eventually began commenting that my posts were helping them to feel better about themselves during a very difficult time. Now, even though I am able to have people over for meals and can eat out with friends,  I still do a “Table for One” at least once a week to remind myself that self-care and kindness have the power not only to lift my Spirit but also to encourage others.
                                                                                   - Pastor Jill Ross