Nearly every Friday night for the past 14 or 15 years, we have gathered together with our daughters and our parents around the dining room table for cherished family time, often with other family members and friends joining in. With candles lit, a nice table set, and good food served, we’ve come together to discuss events of the past week, celebrate special occasions, or to just spend time together. Sometimes we have so much to say we talk over each other in our enthusiasm, and sometimes we’re quieter. Either way, we’re just happy to have this oasis in time amidst the hecticness of our lives. Of course, there have been changes to our core group over the years – my beloved dad passed away a little over a year ago and our daughters are going to be starting their third year of college – but even if there are only a few of us on a given Friday night, we still gather for our special family dinner.

As special as our weekly gatherings are, last Friday night was truly extraordinary. Earlier in the week, I received a phone call from a cousin who lives in Melbourne, Australia, half a world away. Although we’ve had the pleasure of meeting a couple of times before, it had been many years since our last encounter. Much to my surprise and utter delight, he was attending a conference just 3 hours from our home in South Florida, and after some discussion, he decided he would rent a car and spend Friday night with our family. Well, you can imagine the excitement that ensued!

Friday night cousin Harry appeared at our door with roses and wine in hand, and from that moment on, we caught up, reminisced, laughed, and dined. It was immediately clear that family bonds could easily overcome time and distance and create a powerful connection, especially while sitting around the table together. (Please pass the mashed potatoes, mate!) From the land down under to South Florida, family gathered around the table seemed a universally comfortable place to be. We talked for hours until it was clear that jet lag was setting in and it was time to part. This was an evening we won’t ever forget.

I guess my point is that it’s especially nice to gather ‘round the table with those you love, whether it’s just a few of you or a crowd. It makes for easy face-to-face conversation, something there’s just too little of these days, in my estimation. And even though we may run in different directions once dinner is over, we know that we’ll be back again next week. So what’s on the menu for Friday night? Haven’t planned it yet but you can be sure the main ingredient will be cherished family time.

How do you like to spend your Friday evening? Is there another night of the week you like to save for family time?