Unusual decor
April 23, 2010 (Friday)
On each Wednesday before the mid-week worship service, Troy, Ruth and I eat supper at a local restaurant. Over a period of months, the place has been remodeled while remaining open for business. Added to their Statue of Liberty and carousel horse is a life-sized gold-colored cow with wings. Interesting.
It’s a part of their décor, and a mere decoration, but the first time I saw it I couldn’t help but think of the golden calf at the foot of Mount Sinai. While Moses was on the mountain receiving the law, the people below melted down their jewelry, made the golden calf and worshiped it. Strong punishments followed.
I guess you could count on a preacher to ruminate about this, but not every customer will be reminded of the Bible story. Perhaps some will see in the statue a reminder of good old Bossie that was always waiting in the barn at 4:30 a.m. every day for the morning milking. Maybe some folks will think of the beef in their hamburger. Perhaps others will remember their ranching days and the annual production of new calves. Who knows what people will think when they see the cow? Whatever thoughts come to mind, it is almost certain they will say something about it, and the meal will be enlivened with good conversation. That always makes a meal better. So much better than eating alone while watching T.V. or reading a book.
Most people my age grew up eating meals with the family. The table was set, and food was on the table in serving plates and bowls. It may not have been a fancy table or an expensive meal, but it was a family time. In many homes today, that is no longer the way it’s done. If I could wave a magic wand, I would certainly bring back the family meal to the homes in this nation.
