The Beauty of an Empty Table

Over the past three days, some friends (including my wife and I), got together for a group retreat. All 11 of us stayed in one home, graciously hosted by dear friends… and we enjoyed several meals together. 

After the retreat, my wife and I stayed on a little longer, when others had left. 

I walked past the dining table this morning, and while there was no one seated, I realize it was not empty. It was rich and full of memories — of people sharing meals and lives together.

Empty tables are not really quite empty.

I thought of a conversation I have been having with my kids — several times over the past year. They’ve missed their friends in Singapore, and long to be back again. And while I could empathize, I reminded them that it was the very distance, and time apart, that revealed the depth of their relationships.

In being together, there is the fulfillment of friendship.

But at the same time, there is an absence of longing.

And somehow, I found beauty at the sight of the empty table.

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