Gathering at a table

There’s something special about gathering around a table.

The table was set, and the meal was prepared. The aroma coming out of the kitchen had my taste buds salivating. I had never eaten Indian food.

Corinne Gunter, my pastor friend, invited me to be her guest at the Noblesville Diversity Coalition Dinner. She knows me well. I love to eat, and I love good conversation, so my “yes” was easy.

I arrived to find my friend, Pooja Thakker and her friends, putting the final touches on the dinner. I had been told that Indian food can be a bit spicy. (Don’t believe everything you are told.) I was given a platter with nine compartments for food. Also on the menu was an amazing hot tea. My taste buds were ever-so-happy.

Thanks to an invitation to a Noblesville Diversity Coalition Dinner, Janet shared the joys of learning about Indian food and culture with friends old and new. (Photo by Matt Doudt)

While I ventured through the culinary delight of Indian food, Pooja explained many of her Indian customs. I found them fascinating. I have always been curious about why people are the way they are and why they believe as they do. It started when I was 18 years old and was selected to be a delegate at the 1974 Nazarene World Youth Conference in Switzerland. I took an extended tour of Italy – a feast of food delights and sights. You should hear my story about staying in a convent with Catholic nuns chaperoning two dozen American teenagers.

Back to India …

It has always given me such joy to sit with people and share life and a meal. During a meal, something extraordinary can happen. People start chatting and begin to realize they have so much in common. I love breaking bread together.

Pooja talked about growing up in India and the importance of family and traditions. She explained how they celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which celebrates good over evil. Her culture taught her the importance of giving and helping her community. If you spend five minutes with Pooja, you will know she loves her community, especially the schools. I met Pooja two years ago when we were part of the Miller Ambassadors.

Photo by Connor Gunter

My mother taught me that we should be willing to share a meal at the table and listen to those who seem very different from us. We don’t have to believe as they do to be their friend.

There were 29 people at the dinner. Many came in as strangers but left as friends. We all have a new appreciation for sharing a meal and learning how we think we are so different, but the truth is that we are very much alike.

My hope is to be known as a peacemaker. I genuinely believe we are called to love one another. If you want to find me in a world full of chaos and confusion, I’ll be at a table, chatting, learning, and eating.

Thank you, Noblesville Diversity Coalition, I’ll be back because, in my opinion, there needs to be room for new and old friends to gather.

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.